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“Oli, GIRI^J I JUST KNOW WE ARE GOING TO HAVE THE BEST TIMES 

ever /^ — Page 69. 


ADELE DORING AT 
BOARDING-SCHOOL 


By 

GRACE MAY NORTH 

Author of *‘Ade/e Doring of ike^unny side Qub^ ' 
and **Adele Doring on a Ranch ” 


Illustrated by 

FLORENCE LILEY YOUNG 



BOSTON 

LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO. 



Published, September, 1921 



Copyright, 1921, 

By Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co. 

All Rights Reserved 

Adele Doring at Boarding-School 


Vlotwoo5 pred0 

BERWICK & SMITH CO. 
Norwood, Mass. 

U. S. A. 


SEP -6 ia2i 


0)CU622693 


Dedicated to the many girls in the 
“ Sunnyside Club of California^ 
who have so often written the 
author telling her how dearly they 
love Adele Doring^ and how they 
do wish that they could be like her 


A 


CONTENTS 


I. 

A New Sunnysider . , 

II 

II. 

The Ogre 

19 

III. 

Two Surprises .... 

29 

IV. 

New Faces and New Places 

36 

V. . 

A Letter from Carol 

43 

VI. 

Betty’s Uncle George 

53 

VII. 

The Departure for Boarding- 



School 

61 

VIII 

Apple-Blossom Alley 

65 

IX. 

Gladys Merle's Clique 

7 S 

X. 

The Downfall of Gladys Merle 

81 

XL 

True Nobility .... 

37 

XII. 

A Wish Fulfilled . 

94 

XIII. 

The New Teacher . 

100 

XIV. 

Orphan Alise .... 

107 

XV. 

The Grandfather of Alise 

116 

XVI. 

Taming Katrina 

125 

XVII. 

An Unexpected Spread . 

134 

XVIII. 

A Thanksgiving Dinner Party . 

140 

XIX. 

Just Skipping Along 

152 


7 


8 CONTENTS 


XX. 

The Old-Fashioned Pupil 

. 158 

XXL 

The Prairie Home . 

. 167 

XXII. 

Lady Stuckup 

. 180 

XXIII. 

A Dream that Came True 

. 198 

XXIV. 

The C. E. P. . 

. 208 

XXV. 

A String of Pearls 

. 216 

XXVI. 

Romancing 

. 223 

XXVII. 

Old Friends Arrive 

. 232 

XXVIII. 

The Closing Party 

. 239 

XXIX. 

A Bud of a Romance 

. 24s 

XXX. 

Farewell, Linden Hall 

to 

00 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


Oh, girls, I just know we are going to 

have the best times ever ! " (Page 69) Frontispiece 

Facing Page 

‘‘Huh! Nothin’ but girls ” .... 80 

“ I do believe that a young girl posed for 

that statue ” 114 

“ This is Matilda Perkins ” . . . .162 

Beyond was the figure of a young girl 

lying on the ground . . . .196 

Then little Betty stepped forward holding 

a long velvet box 244 


9 






Adele Doring at Boarding- 
School 


CHAPTER ONE 

A NEW SUNNYSIDEE 

‘‘Hark to the carol of the old school bell, 

Hark to the message that it has to tell ; 

Eing it, sing it far and near, 

Vacation is over and school days are here.’’ 

Adele Doring sang merrily as she stood 
in front of the library mirror placing her 
rose-colored tam-o’-shanter jauntily on the 
nut-brown locks that curled about her pretty 
face in soft ringlets. 

“ Are you glad that vacation is over, little 
daughter? ” Mrs. Doring asked as she came 
in from the garden with a big bowl of yellow 
chrysanthemums, which she placed on the 

magazine-strewn table. 

11 


12 


ADELE DOKLSTG 


Oh., Mumsie ! Adele exclaimed as she 
whirled about with shining eyes. I seem 
to be always delighted over each new thing 
that happens. Last summer I was so glad 
to go with brother Jack to the desert and I 
had such a beautiful time with Eva and 
Amanda on their Uncle Dick’s interesting 
cattle ranch, and then how glad I was to 
come home again to my Adorable Mother 
and my Giant Daddy. I have had a wonder- 
ful vacation, and now, I am just ever so 
eager to go back to school, and, think of it, 
Mumsie, I am in the eighth grade this term, 
and next year I shall be going to Dorchester 
High with my big brother Jack.” 

While Adele was chattering, she slipped 
on her rose-colored sweater coat, and then, 
gathering up her books, she gave her mother 
a light kiss on the forehead and danced 
away. 

It was hard for her to keep from hippety- 
hopping down the village street, but she re- 
minded herself that she was fourteen now 
and almost a young lady, but, when she 


AT BOAKDI^^G-SCHOOL 


13 


reached the short cut across the meadows, 
she skipped in little-girl fashion, waving her 
free hand in greeting to a bird which darted 
out of the grass and skyward with a joyous 
song. 

Hearing her name called, she turned and 
waited for Eosamond Wright, who came up 
quite breathless from running. 

Good-morning, Eosie. Are you glad va- 
cation is over? ” Adele inquired. 

The maiden addressed shook her head, 
which set her short yellow curls to bobbing. 
^^1^0, not really glad,” she replied. ^^You 
know that I would much rather play than 
study. Look, Bella, there are the girls 
waiting for us at the crossing. Carol 
Lorens, a new pupil, is with them. Have 
you met her yet? ” 

I haven^t,” Adele replied, ^‘but 
Gertrude Willis tells me that she is ever so 
nice and that we shall be glad to have her 
join the Sunnyside Club.” Then, waving a 
hand to the waiting group, Della called. 

Top o’ the morning to you ! ” 


14 


ADELE DOEING 


There was a merry chorus of greetings in 
response, and the irrepressible Betty Burd 
darted forward and taking Adele’s hand, 
she sang out, ^^Miss Carol Lorens, permit me 
to introduce you to everybody’s favorite, 
Adele Boring.’’ 

Oh, Bettykins ! ” Della exclaimed re- 
provingly. Then, turning to the slender, 
pleasant-faced girl, who had recently come 
to Sunnyside, she held out her hand saying 
sincerely, Miss Lorens, we are ever so glad 
to welcome you to our town and to our 
school.” 

Thank you,” Carol replied. I know 
that I shall just love it here. However, I am 
not sure that I am to be in your school. We 
have but recently moved from the Middle 
West. I had finished the eighth grade there 
and was ready for high, but since there is 
no high school in Sunnyside, Father thought 
I would better report here this morning and 
ask the advice of the principal. You see, I 
am a year older than you girls, for I am 
fifteen.” 


AT BOARDING-SCHOOL 


15 


I wish that you might attend our 
school,” Adele said as they entered the yard. 
“We do have such merry times, but,” she 
added brightly, “ even if you have to attend 
the Dorchester High, you can be with us 
on Saturdays.” 

The last bell was ringing and so they 
trooped into the building, promising to meet 
under the elm-tree as soon as they had been 
assigned to their classes. The real work of 
the school was not to begin until the follow- 
ing day. 

An hour later they were again together* 
“Well, Carol, what did Mr. Dickerson de- 
cide? ” Adele inquired. “ You look almost 
sad about something.” 

“ I am indeed sorry that I cannot be in 
the class with the rest of you,” the older 
girl replied, “but Mr. Dickerson says that 
my report shows that I have been over the 
work of the eighth grade thoroughly and 
that I ought to attend the Dorchester 
High.” 

“We are sorry, too,” Adele said, “ but we 


16 


ADELE DOKING 


shall see you often, Carol, as we want you to 
join our Sunnyside Club.” 

“I shall be glad to,” the newcomer re- 
plied, happily, and thank you for inviting 
me.” 

Then they parted, going in different di- 
rections. Carol’s thoughts were happy ones 
as shs gripped along through the village and 
out on the Lake Eoad. 

She smiled to herself as she thought of the 
merry group of girls she had just left. 
Carol had dreaded coming to this strange 
place, fearing that she would be very lonely, 
but now she was to be made a member of 
the Sunnyside Club, and she knew that she 
would love every one of the girls. 

Then her thoughts went back over all that 
had happened in the past month. There had 
been the beautiful home in a suburb of Chi- 
cago, for her father had been a prosperous 
lawyer, then, for reasons which she never 
understood, there had been a heavy finan- 
cial loss, everything they possessed had been 
sold, and they had moved to the farmhouse 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


11 

which, had been her father^s boyhood home, 
on the Lake Koad just out of the town of 
Sunnyside. 

She liked to think of her father as a bare- 
foot boy swinging on the gate which she was 
then approaching. From the very first day 
she had felt at home in the comfortable 
brown house which stood in the midst of a 
rambling apple orchard. The gnarled old 
trees were a source of endless delight to her 
seven-year-old brother and sister, David and 
Dorothy. 

As Carol opened the gate, she heard 
merry, chattering noises which she knew 
were made by the twins, who, hidden in the 
branches, were pretending that they were 
birds. 

As she walked up the gravelly path, the 
youngsters slid down a near-by apple-tree 
and pounced upon her. 

You promised to play with us when you 
came home from school,’’ David cried, and 
I want to choose the game,” he hurried to 
add. 


18 


ADELE DOEING 


Why, David Lorens ! ” his twin sister 
cried indignantly. You know it isn^t your 
turn to choose a game. You chose yester- 
day and so it is my turn.” 

‘^Tut! Tut! Children!” Carol laugh- 
ingly admonished. Climb up in the tree 
again and be happy little birds until I come 
out, and then we three will do something 
ever so interesting.” 

Carol little dreamed that the something 
that they were to do would make a wonder- 
ful change in her life. 


CHAPTER TWO 


THE OGRE 

Dancing into the sunny living-room, 
Carol called, Mother mine, we have a prob- 
lem to solve. Can you guess what it is? ” 

Mrs. Lorens glanced up from the blue 
patch that she was sewing on a small pair 
of overalls as she replied, ^^Yes, dear, I 
can guess. The principal of the Sunnyside 
school thinks that you are too advanced to 
take the work of the eighth grade again.” 

‘^Why, Mother dear, are you a mind- 
reader? ” Carol asked as she sat on a stool 
near by. That is just what happened, and 
in one way I am ever so sorry. Of course I 
am eager to get through high as soon as 
possible, so that I may help Daddy ^ recuper- 
ate his fallen fortunes,^ as he calls it, but I 
am really disappointed not to be able to at- 
19 


20 


ADELE DORING 


tend tliis scliool, for I met seven of the love- 
liest girls, and they asked me to join their 
Sunnyside Club. Mother dear, what am I to 
do? It will cost quite a little to send me to 
the city of Dorchester every day, and that is 
the nearest high school.” 

Mrs. Lorens smiled lovingly at her daugh- 
ter. The right way always opens for us, 
dear,” she said. Just now I am not sure 
what it is, but this evening your father and 
I will talk it over,” then she added with a 
little sigh, “ I had so hoped, Carol, that you 
might go to boarding-school this year to 
study music and drawing, for which I am 
sure that you have natural talent, but, be- 
cause of our changed circumstances, I fear 
that it cannot be. That is why your brother 
Peter gave up going to college this term. 
He will continue his law studies with your 
father and assist him in the office, but, if we 
all economize, and go without something this 
winter, you may be able to go away to school 
by another fall.” 

Carol sprang up and kissed her mother 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


21 


impulsively. “ You go without, Mummie? ’’ 
she exclaimed indignantly. ^‘Well, I just 
guess not ! If Peter and I need more ^ iddi- 
cation,’ as Pat used to call it, then well earn 
the money ourselves.” 

The mother smiled into the earnest brown 
eyes. She had so wanted Carol and Peter to 
have the advantages of higher education, but 
how proud she was of them for bearing their 
disappointment so bravely. 

Mummie,” Carol was saying, the twins 
are waiting for me without. Have you an 
errand that we can do for you? ” 

Yes, dear,” the mother replied. Your 
father left a bundle of legal papers on the 
desk in his study and you are to take them to 
Mr. Dartmoor’s, and your father told me to 
tell you to give them to the old gentleman 
himself, as they are very important.” 

‘^Then it shall be. done!” Carol replied 
brightly, kissing her mother and skipping 
away. 

A moment later she appeared on the front 
path. 


22 


ADELE DORING 


Dorothy ! David ! she called. Where 
are you? ” and then, as the two scrambled 
down from a tree, she explained, I have an 
errand to do for Father, and, if you wish to 
go with me. 111 run you a race.’^ 

111 beat you both ! David cried lustily 
when they were out on the highway, which 
led toward Little Bear Lake. 

Not while your twin Dorothy has such 
long spider-legs,” Carol laughingly replied, 
and then, away they ran down the country 
road which was bordered with goldenrod 
and purple asters. As Carol had prophesied, 
Dorothy easily won the race, then, being 
quite out of breath, they continued their 
way at a slower pace. 

Half a mile beyond, they could see what 
appeared to be a dense wood, but which, in 
reality, was a beautiful estate, where, in the 
midst of fine old trees, stood the castle-like 
home of their father’s richest client, Mr. 
Dartmoor. 

Soon Carol and the two children passed 
under an imposing archway, and walked 


AT BOAEDmG-SCHOOL 


23 


along the circling drive. On either side of 
wide stone steps, lions crouched, as though 
about to spring upon the unwelcome visitor. 

“ You tiny tads stay here,’’ Carol said 
softly, while I go inside and call upon the 
ogre.” 

Oh Carol,” Dorothy whispered, her eyes 
wide with sudden fear, ^^is Mr. Dartmoor 
really an ogre? ” 

No, of course not ! ” the big sister laugh- 
ingly replied. I’ve never seen him, but I’ll 
tell you all about him when I come out.” 

Then Carol went up the steps and lifted 
the heavy iron knocker and smiled reas- 
suringly down at the children, who stood 
watching her, almost fearfully, at the foot 
of the stone steps. 

Skip over and look at the fountain,” she 
called softly, and then turned, for the door 
was opening. 

A serving-man in blue-and-gold livery ad- 
mitted her in to a dimly-lighted, softly- 
carpeted hall. Having stated her errand, 
Carol sat on the edge of a chair holding fast 


24 


ADELE DOEING 


to her bundle of important papers, and 
waited the appearance of the old gentleman 
who Peter had told her looked like an 
ogre. 

“How solemn and quiet everything is,” 
she thought as she glanced about, “ but of 
course there is nothing to be afraid of.” 

Just then she heard a cane knocking 
across the floor in an adjoining room, the 
velvet portieres parted and Mr. Dartmoor 
himself stood before her. 

“How do you do, little lady?” he said, 
and his voice did not sound at all like an 
ogress. 

Carol slipped from the chair and half 
curtsied. “ I’m very well, sir, thank you,” 
she replied. “ I am Carol Lorens, and my 
father asked me to give you this bundle of 
legal papers.” 

“ So you are Mr. Lorens’ little girl? You 
are about fourteen, are you not? ” the old 
gentleman asked kindly. 

“ I am fifteen,” Carol replied less timidly. 

“ I have a granddaughter who is the same 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


26 


age,” Mr. Dartmoor said as lie held back a 
portiere. “ Yonder is her portrait.” 

Oh, how lovely she must be ! ” Carol ex- 
claimed as she stepped inside the room and 
gazed admiringly at the life-sized painting 
which hung over the mantel. A beautiful 
young girl looked out at them and a shaggy 
collie stood at her side. 

Does your granddaughter live here with 
you? ” Carol asked. 

The old gentleman shook his head sadly. 
^^No,” he replied. Evelyn’s parents are 
dead and I have placed her in a good board- 
ing-school, but she is very, very lonely. Her 
mother left her only a few weeks ago.” 

Poor Evelyn ! ” Carol said and there 
were tears in her eyes. I did so want to 
go to boarding-school myself, but I would 
far rather have my mother.” 

Mr. Dartmoor went to the door with Carol 
and the twins raced from the fountain to 
meet her. They went shyly up the wide 
stone steps when the old gentleman called 
to them. True, he had shaggy grey eye- 


26 


ADELE DOKING 


brows but the blue eyes underneath them 
were twinkling. 

When the children were again on the high- 
way, David exclaimed, “ I don^t believe 
that Mr. Dartmoor is an ogre at all. He 
looks so kind and jolly. I think he is Santa 
Claus. 

Maybe so ! Carol laughingly replied, 
and then she told the twins about the old 
gentleman’s beautiful granddaughter Eve- 
lyn, who was in a boarding-school near 
Buffalo. 

Suddenly Dorothy asked, Carol, don’t 
you feel awfully sorry ’cause you can’t go 
away to boarding-school like you expected 
to?” 

Carol smiled down at the pretty upturned 
face of her little sister as she replied, 

Yes, dear, I am very sorry.” 

Then why don’t you cry? ” asked David. 

Dorothy always cries when she can’t have 
what she wants.” 

I do7iH always, so now ! exclaimed his 
small twin, stamping her foot and flashing 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


27 


her eyes. ^^You cried yourself when your 
stupid old balloon burst.” 

Do you want to know why I don^t cry? ” 
Carol asked quickly, to quiet the impending 
storm. Well, it^s because our mother tells 
us that every cloud has a silver lining and I 
make believe that not going to boarding- 
school is a big, black cloud, and I’m trying 
to think what its silver lining would be. 
Saving the money and making things easier 
for Mummie, I suppose.” 

Just then a squirrel darted across the 
path and the twins gave merry chase, while 
Carol, left alone, walked along slowly, think- 
ing of the lovely orphan girl who had every- 
thing the world could give except a mother. 
Tears rushed to her eyes as she tried to pic- 
ture what life would be without her own 
dearest mummie.” 

When the house was reached Carol went 
directly to the living-room and throwing her 
arms about her mother, she clung to her as 
though she would never let her go again. 

What is it, darling? ” Mrs. Lorens 


28 


ADELE DOBING 


asked as slie pressed her cheek against the 
tear-wet face of her daughter. 

Then Carol told all about Evelyn. Oh 
Muinmie, Mummie,” she implored, promise 
that you will never, never leave us.” 

Tut, tut, daughter of mine ! ” her mother 
replied brightly. As Grandpa Lorens used 
to say, ‘ Don’t let’s Worry about a thing until 
it has happened, and even then, worrying 
doesn’t help any.’ Hark! The clock is 
striking five and supper not begun. Call 
Dorothy and David, and tell them that it is 
time to set the table.” 

Carol obeyed and she laughed and chat- 
tered with the twins while they all helped 
their mother prepare the evening meal, but, 
in spite of her assumed cheerfulness, she 
could not forget poor lonely Evelyn Dart- 
moor. How she hoped that some day she 
would meet her. 

Surprising things happen, and before that 
week was over, Carol had met Evelyn in a 
way that brought great happiness into both 
of their lives. 


CHAPTER THREE 


TWO SURPRISES 

Meanwhile Mr. Dartmoor had returned 
to his study thinking of the three children 
who had just departed. “ A merry brood ! 
he said aloud, but his smile faded when he 
looked at the painting of his granddaughter. 

Poor Evelyn ! ” he thought, I wish that 
I knew how to make you happy.” 

Then sitting at his desk, he picked up his 
morning mail and found on top a letter from 
his granddaughter. 

Opening it, he read, 

“ Dearest Granddad : 

I am so lonely, so lonely ! Won’t 
you please let me come back to you? There 
is no one here who can understand. I watch 
the girls laughing and playing games, but I 
do not think that I shall ever be able to join 
them again. I would not mind so much if 
only they would leave me alone, but Madame 
29 


30 


ADELE DOKING 


Deriby insists that I have a roommate, and 
there is no one I want to have room with me. 
Oh, Granddad! What shall I do? Must I 
stay? 

Your unhappy granddaughter, 

Evelyn." 

My poor little lassie 1 " Mr. Dartmoor 
said as he sat with the letter open in his 
hand and looked up at the painting. “ But 
Madame Deriby is right! Evelyn should 
have a companion, some one bright and 
cheery, yet, some one who could under- 
stand." 

At that very moment Mr. Dartmoor saw, 
in his* memory, CaroFs sweet face, and the 
tears brimming her eyes, as she said, “ I did 
so want to go to boarding-school myself, but 
I would far rather have my mother." 

The very thing ! " exclaimed Mr. Dart- 
moor aloud as he rang a bell and ordered 
his carriage. Soon he was being driven 
down the country road toward the brown 
house on the edge of the village. 

David upon hearing the wheels in the 
drive ran to a front room window where he 


AT BOAKDmG-SCHOOL 


31 


could get a better view. Dorothy skipped 
to join him and then she called excitedly, 
“ Carol, look quick ! Here is your ogre com- 
ing to pay you a visit.” 

He isn’t an ogre, so now ! ” David pro- 
tested. He’s Santa Claus ! ” J ust at that 
moment Mr. Lorens entered the dining-room. 

What are the twins so excited about? ” he 
inquired. 

They say that Mr. Dartmoor is coming 
up the drive,” Carol replied. 

You delivered the papers, did you not, 
daughter? ” her father asked anxiously. 

Yes, Dad, I gave them to Mr. Dartmoor 
himself.” 

Just then the bell rang, and Mr. Lorens, 
hoping that nothing had been wrong with 
the legal document which he had prepared 
with great care, went to open the door. 

When greetings had been exchanged, Mr. 
Dartmoor asked if he might speak for one 
moment with Mr. and Mrs. Lorens. 

Wondering what the conference was to be 
about, Mr. Lorens called his wife, and to- 


32 


ADELE DOKmG 


gether they went into a small room wliicli 
Peter had named his Den/’ 

Carol, like the good little housekeeper that 
she was, finished cooking the supper and 
placed it in the warming-oven to wait the 
reappearance of her parents. 

The twins, in the outer hall, watched the 
closed door curiously and tried to guess 
what their Santa Claus was talking about. 

At last, to their great relief, the door 
opened and their mother beckoned to them. 
David darted in ahead of the others, but no 
one reproved his forgotten manners, instead, 
their parents were smiling as though some 
great good fortune had befallen them. 

Carol,” Mrs. Lorens exclaimed, taking 
her daughter’s hand, what do you suppose 
that Mr. Dartmoor has been telling us? ” 

“ Something nice, I am sure,” that girl 
replied, for you and Dad look so happy.” 

hope that you will think that it is 
nice,” the old gentleman said kindly. 

Carol, I want you to go to Linden Hall 
Seminary to be a roommate and companion 


AT BOAEDIKG-SCHOOL 33 

for my granddaughter Evelyn. Will you 
go? ” 

“ Oh, Mr. Dartmoor ! ” the girl exclaimed 
joyfully. How I would love to go if Mother 
could spare me, hut who would help her 
around the house? ” 

I would ! ” cried little Dorothy clapping 
her hands. “ Mother said that I might be 
her helper some day, and this is some day, 
isn’t it, Mummie? ” 

Mrs. Lorens smiled brightly. It was hard 
for her to speak, her heart was so full. The 
advantages which she had so wished her 
daughter to have were to come in a beautiful 
way, for Carol was to give much in exchange. 

^^Then it is all settled, and I am truly 
grateful to your father and mother for per- 
mitting you to go. It will mean more than 
I can tell you to my lonely granddaughter.” 

Then, before the girl could express the 
gratitude and joy which she felt, Mr. Dart- 
moor was gone. 

The next afternoon when the Sunny Seven 
trooped out of their school, they found Carol 


34 ADELE DOKING 

Lorens waiting for them under the elm- 
tree. 

Her eyes were glowing like two stars and 
Adele, catching her hand, said : 

‘^Why, Carol, what good news have you 
to tell us? Have you found out where you 
are to go to school? ” 

Carol nodded. That^s why I came to- 
day,” she said, because I can’t be here to- 
morrow to attend the meeting of the Sunny- 
side Club.” 

Betty Burd clapped her hands gleefully 
as she cried, ^^Oh, I can guess where you 
are going. To a girls’ boarding-school some- 
where.” 

Eight you are ! ” Carol replied, looking 
brightly around at the eager group, and then 
she told them all the wonderful things that 
had happened since she had last seen them. 

You will love Evelyn Dartmoor ! ” Doris 
Drexel exclaimed. I met her when she and 
her mother spent a few days here last 
spring.” 

Oh, T just know that I shall love her ! ” 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


35 


Carol replied, and then she added impul- 
sively, Girls, you have all been so good to 
me! You can’t guess what it means to a 
stranger to be treated so kindly. I expected 
to be lonely and left out and you have been 
just like old friends. How I do wish that 
you were going to boarding-school with me.” 

Queer things happen!” Adele replied. 

Maybe your wish will come true.” 

Adele spoke jokingly, for little did she 
dream that queer things were to happen, and 


soon. 


CHAPTER FOUR 


NEW FACES AND NEW PLACES 

Carol awoke bright and early the next 
morning and her first thought was that 
something wonderful was about to happen. 
Then she remembered that she was going 
away to boarding-school. Springing up, she 
began to dress. 

“ Just think,” she said to her reflection in 
the mirror, this is the last time that you 
will look out of this glass in ever and ever so 
long.” Then she added after a thoughtful 
moment, Carol Lorens, you don’t seem very- 
happy. Aren’t you glad that you are go- 
ing? ” 

“ Good-morning, darling ! ” a sweet voice 
called from the doorway and whirling 
around, Carol nestled in her mother’s arms 

as she exclaimed, “ Oh, Mummie, Mummio ! 

36 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 37 

I don’t believe that I want to go and leave 
you after all.” 

Of course we will both be lonely, 
daughter dear,” her mother said brightly, 
but you are not going far away and I want 
you to bring Evelyn home to us for at least 
part of the holidays. Moreover I shall ex- 
pect long, newsy letters from my big girl 
telling me that she is making the most of 
the wonderful advantages that have been 
given her. Now, dear, make haste! The 
train leaves at nine and Father and Peter 
are waiting to have breakfast with you.” 

Then followed a very exciting half-hour. 
There was much laughter and bantering, 
and a few tears that would come. Peter 
gave Carol many a nonsensical piece of ad- 
vice, for had he not been away to college? 

Later, the father, alone with her for one 
moment, took both of her hands in his as he 
said, Daughter, when a problem confronts 
you, ask yourself, ‘ What would my mother 
do? ’ and then do likewise.” 

He held her close in his strong arms, and 


38 


ADELE DOEING 


then walked rapidly away to join Peter who 
was waiting at the gate. 

The baggage men arrived to take her 
trunk, and then, before she had time to turn 
around, there arose a joyous shouting out 
on the lawn. ‘‘ Carol ! Carol ! ” the twins 
were calling. Here comes Mr. Dartmoor’s 
carriage. It’s time for you to go.” 

Carol wondered afterwards how she had 
managed to say good-bye to her mother and 
the twins without crying, but little mother 
had been so brave and smiling that she had 
smiled too, and then, as they drove away, 
the courtly Mr. Dartmoor began talking of 
Evelyn and before long they had reached 
the station and there were the members of 
the Sunnyside Club gathered to bid her 
good-bye. 

Carol had just time to introduce them to 
the old gentleman, when the train came puff- 
ing around the curve. 

“Do write to us the very first moment 
that you have to spare,” Adele called. “ You 
just can’t guess how we are all envying you 


AT BOARDING-SCHOOL 39 

because you are going away to boarding- 
scbool.” 

I promise ! ’’ Carol replied and sbe smil- 
ingly waved through an open window as 
long as she could see her friends. 

The two hours to Buffalo passed quickly 
and then there was another hour on a noisy 
little local train, but Carol was so interested 
in all she saw that the time passed quickly, 
and it hardly seemed possible that they 
could have reached the end of their jour- 
ney when she heard the brakeman call, 
''Linden!” 

Her heart beat rapidly. In another mo- 
ment she would see the beautiful Evelyn. 
How she did hope that they were to be good 
friends. 

They two were the only passengers to 
alight at the station of Linden, and at once 
Carol saw a tall, slender girl in black, who 
came hurrying forward. With a little cry of 
joy, she threw her arms about Mr. Dart- 
moor’s neck, and for a moment neither 
spoke. 


40 


ADELE DOBING 


Granddad!” Evelyn said at last. 

How lonely, lonely I have been since I saw 
you ! ” 

Well, we^re here now,” Mr. Dartmoor ex- 
claimed brightly, ^^and this is my little 
friend Carol Lorens.” 

Evelyn held out her hand to the other 
girl as she said, am so glad that you 
have come. Having a friend of Granddad’s 
here will be almost like having Granddad 
himself.” 

am glad, too,” Carol replied simply. 
On the train Mr. Dartmoor had asked her 
not to tell Evelyn at present how she hap- 
pened to come to Linden. 

The school bus was waiting, and Mr. 
Dartmoor gallantly helped the girls in and 
sat opposite them. Then to entertain them 
on the drive, he told them that Carol’s 
grandfather and he had been pals ” when 
they were boys. 

Then it is but natural that you and I 
should be friends,” Evelyn declared. 

Suddenly Carol gave an exclamation of 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


41 


pleasure. They had been slowly climbing a 
hill road, and below them was the scattered 
village of Linden and wide meadows that 
stretched to the lake. Soon they were turn- 
ing into an elm-shaded driveway. On either 
side were well-kept lawns and gardens 
aglow with autumn flowers. 

Set far back among sheltering trees was 
a rambling building, which in the front 
looked like a pillared colonial mansion. 

This is Linden Hall ! Evelyn said 
brightly. Isn’t it a beautiful place? ” Mr. 
Dartmoor noted with a glad heart that al- 
ready his granddaughter looked happier. 

Oh ! ” Carol exclaimed, clasping her 
hands. I could learn anything here, I am 
sure. Even Chinese if I had to ! ” 

Luckily we do not have to,” Evelyn re- 
sponded almost merrily. I am sure that I 
could not learn foreign languages if the 
school were in the Garden of Eden.” 

For several moments they rode beneath a 
canopy formed by the interlacing branches 
of the great old elms. At last the bus 


42 


ADELE DOKING 


stopped under a covered archway at the 
front of the house. 

Carol felt awed as she followed Evelyn up 
the stone steps and through the door, which 
she knew would be for her the portal to 
many new and wonderful experiences. 


CHAPTER FIVE 


A LETTER FROM CAROL 

Three days after the departure of Carol 
Lorens for Linden, Adele Doring received a 
letter bearing that postmark. 

O goodie ! ” she cried, in little-girl fash- 
ion. Thank you, Mr. Drakely. I have been 
ever so eager to receive this letter.” 

The postman smiled down at her and was 
surprised to see her thrust the envelope, un- 
opened, into the pocket of her rose-colored 
sweater coat. 

^^Why, Adele, aren’t you going to read 
it? ” the mail-carrier, who had known her 
from babyhood, asked. I thought you were 
so anxious to get it.” 

“ I suppose it does look queer,” Adele 
laughingly replied, but I’m on my way to 
school, you see, and I don’t want to read it 
until we girls are all together. It’s for 

them as much as it is for me.” 

43 


u 


ADELE DOKIISrG 


Tlien away slie skipped, and, as usual, slie 
found the Sunny Six waiting for her under 
the elm-tree. 

It’s come ! ” she cried, joyfully waving 
the letter over her head. 

‘^Oh, good! Is it a letter from Carol 
Lorens? ” Betty Burd inquired. 

I’m glad that we are all early,” Doris 
Drexel declared. Let’s sit down on the 
bench while Adele reads it to us.” 

The envelope was torn open and Adele 
began : 

^^Deae Sunntsidbrs: I am having the 
most wonderful experiences one right after 
another, and how I do wish that you were 
here to share them with me. I’m going to 
keep a-wishing and a-wishing until you 
do come ; so you might as well begin to pack 
your satchels. 

This is the most beautiful old house, 
with wings added for dormitories when it be- 
came a school. There is a glorious view 
from every window, but I am not going to 
tell you about that. I am so very sure that 
you will all see it with your own eyes some 
day soon. 

“ Well, to begin at the beginning, when we 
arrived, Evelyn took me to the office of the 


AT BOAEDIITG-SCHOOL 


45 


nicest woman — next to Mother — ^whom I 
have ever met. Madame Derihy is tall and 
stately with soft, silvery hair, a beautiful 
face and the kindest, gentlest manner im- 
aginable. I knew at once that I was going 
to adore her, and oh, girls, Evelyn is so nice, 
I am sure that you will all love her. 

The room that we are to have together 
is the prettiest. It is decorated in yellow 
and looks as though it were flooded with sun- 
light, even when it is cloudy. There are 
two small beds and Evelyn has her things 
on one side of the room and I have mine on 
the other. 

I haven^t met any of the other pupils as 
yet, but there are forty of all ages, Evelyn 
tells me. 

The ^ get-ready-for-dinner ’ bell has just 
rung, so I will say good-bye for now. I’ll 
write to you often, but oh, girls, do beg and 
beseech your nice mothers to let you come 
to Linden Hall boarding-school soon. 

Your newest Sunnysider, 

Caeol Lorens.’’ 

How I do wish that we could go ! ” Doris 
Drexel sighed. ^^It must be a wonderful 
place, so high on a hill.” 

^^I couldn’t go if the rest of you did,” 
Betty Burd declared, and I’d be so lonely 
with all of you away.” 


46 


ADELE DOEING 


Adele slipped an arm about tbe little girl 
as sbe said merrily, But Bettykins, we 
aren’t any of us going. Mother wishes me 
to finish out this term with Miss Donovan. 
There’s the last bell. Forward ! March ! ” 

Little did the girls dream of the unex- 
pected news that they were about to hear. 

When they entered the schoolhouse, they 
were surprised to find the door of the eighth 
grade closed and locked. On it a note was 
pinned, which Adele wonderingly read 
aloud : 

Pupils of 8A please report at Mr. Dicker- 
son’s office.” 

The girls looked at each other in amaze- 
ment. Surely something must have hap- 
pened to their beloved Miss Donovan. They 
found the principal in his office looking very 
grave. He smiled when he saw their solemn, 
almost frightened faces. 

Young ladies,” he said, “ it is not so 
dreadful as all that, though I must confess 
I am very much troubled to know just what 
I ought to do.” 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


47 


Then he explained that Miss Donovan had 
been called to her home in a neighboring 
town and that she had wired back that her 
elderly mother needed her care, and there- 
fore would be unable to return that term. 

The girls were truly grieved to hear this, 
and impulsive Betty Burd exclaimed, Why, 
Mr. Dickerson, how can we get on without 
Miss Donovan? ” 

“We will not decide yet,’’ the principal 
said kindly. “ I have sent to the city to see 
if another competent eighth-grade teacher 
can be procured, but it is late, and the 
classes everywhere are started. However, it 
is possible that one may be found. Eeport 
here to-morrow morning and I shall then 
be able to tell you what we will do.” 

The next morning at nine the girls were 
again waiting in Mr. Dickerson’s office, and 
a few moments later he appeared. 

“Well, young ladies,” he said, “I have 
been unsuccessful, and so the Board has sug- 
gested that you go to Dorchester to finish 
this term’s work. You would have to go 


48 


ADELE DOBING 


there next term, anyway, so perhaps that is 
the best solution of our difficulty.’’ 

As soon as the girls were again under the 
elm-tree, Adele faced them with glowing 
eyes. ^^Of course I am very sorry to lose 
our Miss Donovan,” she said. We all love 
her dearly, but since we can’t have her, I 
am really glad that everything turned out 
just as it has, because, instead of going to 
Dorchester, perhaps we may all be able to 
go — guess where? ” 

To the Linden Hall boarding-school ! ” 
Kosamond Wright joyfully responded. 

Oh, how I do wish that we could ! ” 
Peggy Pierce exclaimed. 

Let’s go home this very minute and ask 
our fathers and mothers if we may go,” 
Adele suggested, and then this afternoon, 
let’s meet at our Secret Sanctum and dis- 
cuss our plans.” 

That afternoon at three, the seven 
maidens met at the log cabin in the meadows 
that were now purple and gold with bright 
autumn flowers. 


AT BOAKDIKG-SCHOOL 


49 


Girls, let^s begin this meeting at once,’^ 
Adele exclaimed. We’re all here, and I’m 
just wild to tell you my great and glorious 
news.” 

“ Meeting is called to order,” said Bertha 
Angel, who was now the chairman, and so 
the girls sat tailor-wise upon the floor. 

Madame President,” Bertha began, but 
Adele interrupted, Oh, Burdie, don’t let’s 
be formal to-day. Let’s each say just what- 
ever we wish. I am wild to know who can 
go to boarding-school besides myself.” 

I, for one ! ” Eosamond Wright drawled. 

My mamma dear will be glad to be rid of 
me, I am sure.” 

Father thinks that it will be an excellent 
plan for me to go if there is a college prepar- 
atory course at Linden Hall,” Bertha Angel 
told them quite calmly. The practical 
Bertha was never wildly hilarious, whatever 
happened. 

That’s splendid,” Adele exclaimed joy- 
fully, and I know by her beaming expres- 
sion that Peggy Pierce can go, and as for 


60 


ADELE DOEING 


Doris Drexel, lier devoted daddy always lets 
her do whatever she wishes. How about you, 
Bettykins?’^ she asked, turning to the 
youngest member, who was looking so dis- 
mal that they all knew at once that she 
could not go. 

I told Mother about it,’’ Betty began, 

and she said that she was sorry, but she 
couldn’t think of asking Uncle George to 
spend another penny for me. You know 
when Papa died. Uncle George asked us to 
come right up here and live with him, and 
Mother says that it costs him ever so much 
to have us. Of course I’d love to go, but I — 
I just can’t.” 

Poor little Betty found the disappoint- 
ment harder than she could bear bravely, 
and tears splashed down her cheeks. 

^^You won’t be left alone, Bettykins,” 
Gertrude Willis said as she slipped an arm 
about their youngest member, for I am not 
going, either.” 

“Gertrude, aren’t you going?” came a 
chorus of protesting voices. 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


61 


^^Well, we simply can’t go without you, 
or Bettykins either,” Doris Drexel declared. 

Yes, you can,” Gertrude replied 
brightly, “ and Betty and I shall expect long 
letters from you every week telling all about 
the good times that you are having.” 

‘^But what will you do, Trudie, about 
going to school? ” Bertha inquired. These 
two girls were always at the head of their 
classes and Bertha well knew that her friend 
did not want to have her studies interrupted. 

Father is going to teach me some of the 
subjects and Mother the others,” Gertrude 
replied. Mother was a high school teacher 
before she married, and Father was gradu- 
ated from the theological seminary with 
highest honors.” 

Then, turning to the little one who was 
trying hard not to cry, she said kindly, 

Bettykins, you may study with me, if you 
wish.” 

^‘Oh, Gertrude, that would help me so 
much ! ” Betty replied gratefully, smiling 
through the tears that would come. 


52 


ADELE DOEESTG 


Girls,” Adele declared brightly, ^ My 
bones are very good prophets,’ as Grandpa 
Dally used to say, and I just feel sure that 
before very many moons, we shall all seven 
of us be at Linden Hall Seminary for 
Young Ladies.” 

Whether or no Adele was a true prophet, 
you shall hear. 


CHAPTEE SIX 


BETTY’S UNCLE GEORGE 

The next day Adele wrote a long letter to 
Carol Lorens telling her the good news that 
five of the Sunny Seven were to attend the 
Linden Hall boarding-school, that is, if there 
would be room for them. Mrs. Doring had 
written to Madame Deriby to inquire, and 
eagerly the five girls awaited an answering 
letter. 

Meanwhile little Betty Burd was trying 
to be brave, but it was very hard. The day 
after the meeting at the Secret Sanctum, she 
went for a long ride on her pony, and, with 
tears slipping down her cheeks, she scolded 
herself: ‘^You just ought to be ashamed, 
Betty Burd, when you have so much to be 
thankful for,” she said aloud as she rode 
through a little wood, where everything was 
peaceful and quiet, save now and then a 

rustle in the dry leaves when a squirrel 
63 


64 


ADELE DOKHSTG 


darted across the path. “ I’m not going to 
cry another tear ! ” she continued, as she 
whirled her pony’s head toward home. 

Uncle George has done so much for me, 
and I don’t want him to even guess how I 
have longed to go to boarding-school with 
the other girls.” 

As she turned in at the drive, Mr. Drexel’s 
car stopped a moment at the gate and her 
Uncle George leaped out. Betty was about 
to ride on, but he beckoned to her. How’s 
my little Puss? ” he called, pretending not 
to notice the reddened eyes. 

“ Oh, I’m all right, thank you. Uncle 
George,” the girl replied, trying to smile 
brightly, then, fearing that she would cry, 
she whirled her pony about and galloped to 
the barn, but her young Uncle George fol- 
lowed her. 

He stabled the pony and then leading her 
to a garden bench, he exclaimed gaily, 

Betty Bobbets, what’s this I hear about 
you going away to boarding-school? ” 

Me? ” gasped Betty in surprise. Why, 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


55 


Uncle George, I’m not going at all. It’s just 
tlie other girls who are going. Mamma says 
that you have done so much for us already 
that she couldn’t think of asking you to send 
me. I wasn’t going to say anything about it, 
Uncle George, how did you know? ” 

The young man laughed. Why, Puss,” he 
replied, you don’t suppose that you could 
keep a secret from your old uncle, do you? 
But the way that I found out was that Mr. 
Drexel just now told me that Doris was 
going away to boarding-school and he said 
that he supposed that I was going to send 
Betty, and I said, ^ Sure thing, if the other 
girls are going.’ ” 

Oh, Uncle George ! ” Betty cried, scarcely 
able to believe what she had heard. Eeally, 
truly, are you going to send me?' Won’t it 
take a lot of money? Mother says that we 
cost you ever so much as it is.” 

Taking both of her small hands in his, the 
young man replied earnestly, ‘^Pet, your 
father was my older brother and he went 
without many things that he might send me 


56 


ADELE DOKING 


away to college, and now that I am a pros- 
perous editor, do you suppose that for one 
minute I am going to neglect the education 
of his only little girl, and my only little girl, 
too? Indeed I am not, and from now on I 
want you to think of me as though I were 
your own daddy, I will give you an allow- 
ance, but, if you need more money, promise 
me that you will write and ask for it.’^ 

Dear Uncle George,” Betty said as she 
looked up with a joyous light shining 
through the tears that would come, ^‘how 
can I thank you? ” Then, impulsively she 
threw her arms about his neck and gave him 
a bear hug. 

The other girls were glad to hear that 
their youngest member could go, if they did, 
but as yet they had not received a letter 
from the matron of Linden Hall. 

The following afternoon the seven girls 
met at Adele’s to review some of their 
studies. Of course it had been the practical 
Bertha’s suggestion. 

We don’t want to get behind,” she told 


AT BOARDING-SCHOOL 67 

them, even if we are going to a boarding- 
school.” 

Girls,” Rosamond Wright declared, I 
have my trunk almost packed and I’ll be 
ready to take the train the moment that 
Madame Deriby writes, ‘ Come,’ ” 

But what if she writes, ^ Don’t come ’? ” 
Peggy Pierce inquired mischievously. 

Then I’ll unpack it again,” Rosamond 
declared quite undisturbed by the teasing, 
but there isn’t much danger of the ma- 
tron’s telling us not to come,” she added. 
“ Why, we six girls will be a small fortune 
to her and she will take us even if she has 
to build an addition to the school.” 

Hurray! Here comes the postman,” 
Betty Burd exclaimed joyously. “Adele, 
what if he has the fatal letter? ” 

Then I suppose that he will give it to 
me,” Adele replied merrily, as she went to 
the gate to meet Mr. Drakely. Then, turn- 
ing around, with eyes shining, she tri- 
umphantly waved a white envelope. Here 
it is,” she called to the eager group on the 


58 


ADELE BOEING 


lawn, but it is addressed to Mumsie, and 
she is down-town shopping and so we shall 
have to wait until she returns.” 

Oh-h-h ! ” came in doleful chorus. 

How can we wait? ” Betty Burd moaned. 
^^It won’t be long, methinks,” Adele ex- 
claimed, for unless I am mistaken, I hear 
Mother’s step just beyond the lilacs.” 

In another moment that gracious lady ap- 
peared and the girls swooped down upon 
her. 

Well ! well ! ” Mrs. Boring exclaimed 
gaily. Why am I so popular? ” 

^^Oh, Mumsie,” Adele declared lovingly, 
you know that you are always popular, but 
just now we want you to open this letter 
from Madame Beriby and tell us if we may 
go to the Linden Hall boarding-school.” 

They led Mrs. Boring to a rustic bench 
and then crowded about her while she read 
aloud : 

My dear Mrs. Boring : 

^^Your letter of recent date was re- 
ceived and I am pleased to inform you that I 


AT BOAEDmG-SCHOOL 


59 


have ample accommodations for the five 
young ladies.” 

“ Oh ! ” wailed Betty Burd. That’s not 
counting me in.” 

Shh ! Don’t interrupt,” some one whis- 
pered, and Mrs. Doring continued : 

In fact I have room for eight more girls, 
as a very pleasant wing has just been com- 
pleted. There are four double rooms, light 
and airy, overlooking the gardens and the 
orchard. 

“ If they prefer, the young ladies may 
have their uniforms made here at Linden. 
Since the fall term is already started, it 
would be better for them to come without 
delay. 

If this is convenient for you, please 
wire and I will have the school bus at the 
station to meet the young ladies next Sat- 
urday at four in the afternoon.” 

There ! ” Kosamond announced. See 
how wise I was to begin packing my trunk ! ” 

We will go to our homes this instant and 
pack ours,” Peggy Pierce declared, for the 
next day would be Saturday. 

Gertrude,” Adele said when the other 


60 


ADELE DOEIJSTG 


girls were gone, would be perfectly 
happy if only you were going with us.” 

I, too, wish that I might go, Delia,” Ger- 
trude said, returning her friend^s embrace, 
“ but a minister’s salary is not princely, and 
there are so many of us. It won’t be long 
till Christmas, however, and then you and 
I will meet again.” 

But they were to meet much sooner than 
that, and in a way they little dreamed. 


CHAPTER SEVEN 


THE DEPARTURE FOR BOARDING-SCHOOL 

Never before bad there been a gayer scene 
at the railway station in that usually quiet 
town of Sunnyside, for the relatives and 
friends of the six travelers were all there to 
bid them good-bye. 

‘^Wall, I swan!’’ ejaculated the old sta- 
tion-master as he appeared from the bag- 
gage-room. ^^Has the hull population of 
this here village decided to migrate to 
Buffalo? ” 

^‘Oh, no, Uncle Danny,” Adele replied, 
shouting in his ear, for the old man, whom 
every one called Uncle Danny, was very 
deaf. Just six of us are going away to 
boarding-school.” 

‘^Wall, now, you don’t tell! Sorry to 

hear you’re a-leavin’ us, Della. Even cloudy 

61 


62 ADELE DOEING 

weather seems a little brighter when t/owVe 
around/’ 

That was just what Granny Dorset had 
said when Adele had rushed over to the lit- 
tle cottage in Cherry Lane that morning to 
bid her good-bye. Don’t study too hard,” 
Jack Doring called. We boys would hate 
to have you get ahead of us.” 

you have any parties up at your 
school, send us an invitation,” Bob Angel 
added. 

Oh, Bob ! ” Eosamond Wright gaily re- 
plied. You know that you wouldn’t come 
all the way to a suburb of Buffalo just to 
attend a boarding-school party.” 

“ Slippery snails ! ” Jack suddenly ex- 
claimed. Dick Jensen, did you forget the 
order you received last night? ” 

Dick, a good-looking boy of fifteen, 
snapped his fingers and whirling on his 
heels, he ran to his car and returned with a 
big covered box, out of which he took seven 
smaller boxes daintily tied with blue and 
gold ribbons. Presenting one to each of the 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


63 


girls, Dick exclaimed dramatically : From 
the unsurpassable Jensen candy shop, gift 
of the Jolly Pirates to the seven sweetest 
girls in all the world.” 

Oh, thank you, boys ! ” Adele cried with 
glowing eyes. “We will think of you every 
time that we eat one of these delicious 
candies.” 

“ You won’t think of us for long then,” 
Bob teased, “ not if you all eat candy as fast 
as Eosie does.” 

“Here comes the train that is to carry 
our fair ones away! ” Jack shouted. Then, 
what a scurrying there was. The boys seized 
satchels and suit-cases and the girls threw 
their arms around their mothers and fathers 
for a last embrace, in the excitement of the 
moment not realizing how much they were 
going to miss them later. Then the boys 
escorted them into the train, found their 
seats, piled their luggage in the racks over- 
head, and Bob teasingly told them to be sure 
to get off when they reached their destina- 
tion. The train started, and the boys made 


64 


ADELE DOKIISTG 


a wild rusli for the door and swung to the 
platform just in time to keep from being 
borne away. 

Adele looked out of the window at her 
mother, who stood with her arm about Ger- 
trude’s waist. The tears rushed to her eyes. 
It was hard to leave these two who were so 
dear to her, but it would not be long before 
the Christmas holidays, and then they 
would all be together again. 

Blinking back the tears, she turned with 
her bright smile toward the merry girls who 
were chatting and laughing all together. 

do hope we are going to have some 
interesting adventures at Linden HaU,’’ 
Rosamond was saying. 

They were to have many adventures and 
the first one began the very next day. 


CHAPTEE EIGHT 


APPLE-BLOSSOM ALLEY 

That Saturday afternoon Carol Lorens 
and Evelyn Dartmoor were sauntering arm 
in arm through, the garden paths on the 
south side of the Linden Hall boarding- 
school, little dreaming of the delightful 
something which was just about to happen. 

Soon a small girl appeared running to- 
ward them, calling, Carol Lorens, here is 
a letter for you. Madame Deriby asked me 
to give it to you at once because there is 
something interesting in it.’’ 

At Linden Hall, as at many other board- 
ing-schools, the matron glanced over each 
letter which the girls received. 

^^Oh, I wonder what the exciting news 
can be,” Carol said as she went forward to 

take the letter from the wee lassie. Thank 
65 


66 


ADELE DOKING 


you, little Anne,” slie added. Then, when 
the small girl had skipped away to rejoin 
her playmates, Carol exclaimed, Evelyn, 
there is just one thing that I wish this letter 
might contain.” 

The older girl smiled. Since CaroTs com- 
ing to the school, Evelyn had learned to 
smile again. Suppose you read it,” she 
wisely suggested, and then you will know 
what it is about.” 

“ Let’s sit here on this bench and I’ll read 
it to you,” Carol declared. When they were 
seated, she opened the missive and turned at 
once to the end to see who it was from. 

Oh, good ! ” she said. Just as I wished, 
it is from Adele Doring. Now I’ll begin at 
the beginning: 

“ ^ Dear Carol : We have the best news to 
tell you. We girls are coming to Linden 
Hall and expect to arrive on Saturday after- 
noon at about four o’clock. 

^ We are all coming except Gertrude 
Willis, but I feel in my bones that something 
will hapi)en to bring her, too, some day soon. 
I won’t write any more, for we shall reach 
Linden almost as soon as this letter. 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


67 


^ Give our love to Evelyn Dartmoor, for 
if she will let us, we mean to love her, too. 
From what you have written, I know that 
she must be just ever so nice. Good-bye for 
now. 

^ Adele Doring and the Sunny Six.-' 

Carol sprang to her feet as she exclaimed 
excitedly, ^^Why, to-day is Saturday, and 
it is half-past four now.” 

^^And if I am not mistaken, here come 
your friends this very moment,” Evelyn de- 
clared as she pointed down the hill road. 
Carol looking, saw the school bus turning 
into the drive, and then, as it drew near, six 
merry faces beamed out of the windows and 
a moment later Carol and Evelyn were sur- 
rounded. No one was properly introduced, 
but no one seemed to care. 

“ First of all you must come right in and 
meet our wonderful Madame Deriby,” Carol 
said, as she slipped her arm about Adele's 
waist, and led the flock of laughing girls 
into the school, where they were to have 
many happy times in the months to come. 

Madame Deriby, the matron of Linden 


68 


ADELE DOBING 


Hall, was delighted with the group of 
young girls. She looked into one eager face 
after another with her welcoming smile and 
then bade Carol and Evelyn show them the 
way to the south wing, where they would 
find their rooms in readiness. 

Up the broad, softly carpeted front stairs 
they trooped. In the upper corridor, they 
saw uniformed girls in twos and threes who 
glanced at them curiously and the more 
friendly smiled upon them. 

There were forty pupils at Linden Hall 
before you came,” Evelyn told them, and 
now there are forty-six.” 

Carol, in the lead, opened a door and 
stepping back with a wave of her hand, she 
exclaimed, Enter, young ladies! This is 
your future home.” 

^‘Oh, how pretty!” Adele declared, as 
they entered the corridor, the walls of which 
were a warm, creamy tint, bordered with 
apple-blossoms. 

There were four large, sunny rooms open- 
ing from this hall. Each had a bow-window, 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


69 


two of them looked out over the gardens and 
orchard toward a rolling hill country, the 
other two had a view of the valley and the 
blue water of the lake not far away. 

Girls,’’ Adele exclaimed, the rooms are 
each just as lovely as another, and I know 
that Betty and I shall be content to live in 
any one of them.” 

Eosamond Wright and Bertha Angel, who 
were to be roommates, entered the door 
nearest and said that they would take pos- 
session of that room. Peggy Pierce and 
Doris Drexel, who were called the Insep- 
arables,” chose the corner overlooking the 
gardens ; and Adele happily drew her little 
roommate into the sunny comer room which 
looked out toward the lake. 

Carol and Evelyn followed Adele. 

We’ll go if we’re in your way,” Carol said, 
but Adele assured them that they were wel- 
come visitors. 

Oh, girls,” Betty Burd exclaimed as she 
looked about at the pretty bird’s-eye maple 
furniture, the twin beds, the muslin curtains 


TO 


ADELE DOBING 


fluttering in the breeze, and the window-seat 
heaped with pillows, I Just know that we 
are going to have the best times ever.” 

course we are,” Adele declared as 
she began to unpack her suit-case. 111 
keep my pictures and books and things on 
one side of the room, Betty, and you keep 
yours on the other. Oh, how do you do, Miss 
Angel? ” she added as Bertha appeared in 
the open doorway. ‘^Havenl we a pretty 
room?” 

^‘Yes indeed!” Burdie replied. was 
just thinking about that fourth room. 
Wouldn’t it be nice if Evelyn and Carol 
could have that instead of strange girls? ” 

“ Oh, how I wish we could ! ” Carol ex- 
claimed. Evelyn, would you like to move 
into this wing? I am sure that Madame 
Deriby would be willing.” 

Yes, I would like it and I know that you 
would enjoy being nearer your friends. I 
will go at once and ask Madame Deriby if 
she is willing that we make the change.” 

The permission was readily granted and 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


71 


during the next hour the eight girls were 
happily busy making excursions to Eve- 
lyn^s old room in the west wing, helping 
those two girls to move. 

When every one was settled Kosamond, 
the romantic, exclaimed, I used to read 
ever so many boarding-school stories and the 
girls always had a name for their corridor. 
South Wing isn’t a bit pretty. Can’t we 
call it something else? ” 

Adele looked at the walls for inspiration 
and found it. Suppose we call it Apple- 
Blossom Alley,” she suggested, and the 
others agreed. 

‘^There’s the get-ready-for-supper bell,” 
Evelyn told them. ^^We have dinner at 
noon. Madame Deriby thinks it the wiser 
plan. You have half an hour to dress and 
then, when the next bell rings, we will start 
for the dining-room. We wear a plain blue 
uniform during the day, but in the evening 
we don any simple dress that we may have. 
That is, we are supposed to wear simple 
things, but Gladys Merle and her set prefer 


72 


ADELE DOKIISTG 


frills and ruffles, and tkougli Madame Deriby 
disapproves, as yet ske kas said notking.” 

Wko is Gladys Merle? Adele asked. 

Evelyn arose to go as ske replied, “ Her 
fatker is an immensely wealtky man living 
in Ckicago. He is called a Beef King and 
Gladys Merle seems to tkink tkat in some 
way entitles ker to tke distinction of roy- 
alty. Ske puts on a great many foolisk airs 
and affectations. Of course it is easy for 
any one used to good breeding to tell tkat 
Gladys Merle kas recently risen from tke 
ranks of tke uncultured. Kot tkat tkat 
would matter in tke least if ske were a 
sweet sensible girl, but ske isn^t. Ske leads 
a clique of ker own and tkey try to cultivate 
only tke very rick and tkey snub eack new- 
comer until tkey find out ker social stand- 
ing.” 

Up to tke present moment I kave been 
completely and entirely snubbed,” Carol ex- 
claimed brigktly. Come, Evelyn, we must 
hasten, for tke kalf-kour will soon be 
over.” 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


73 


When the second bell rang, the girls met 
in their Apple-Blossom Alley and Evelyn 
led them down the front stairs and into the 
dining-room where there were several long 
tables. 

Miss Sharpleigh, the teacher in attend- 
ance, welcomed the new pupils and told 
them that Madame Deriby had granted them 
the privilege of having one table just by 
themselves. 

Oh, isn’t this jolly? ” Betty Burd ex- 
claimed when they were seated, as she looked 
about the dining-room with her friendliest 
smile. 

“ Evelyn,” Bertha Angel said softly, 
who is the girl across the room? The one 
with the fluffy blonde hair and the china- 
blue eyes? ” 

Why, that is Gladys Merle Jones. The 
girl I was telling you about,” Evelyn re- 
plied. 

thought so,” Bertha declared with 
twinkling eyes. Well, she will surely snub 
me because my father is a grocer.” 


u 


ADELE DORHSTG 


^‘And me because my dad owns a dry- 
goods store,” Peggy Pierce chimed in. 

“ Well, if she snubs any one of us, she may 
snub us all,” Doris Drexel declared, and 
then they talked of other things. 

That very evening the cattle king’s 
daughter held a secret meeting of her clique 
to decide the fate of the newcomers, 
strangely, however, the result of that meet- 
ing turned out disastrously for the one who 
least expected it, and that one was Gladys 
Merle Jones. 


CHAPTER NINE 


GLADYS merle’s CLIQUE 

That night Madame Deriby permitted the 
newcomers to retire to their rooms directly 
after supper. At that hour it was the cus- 
tom of the pupils to gather in the big recrea- 
tion hall, either to play games or to converse 
in groups of three or more. They were not 
permitted to remain in groups of two at 
Linden Hall. 

As soon as Evelyn and the other girls 
from Sunnyside had gone, Gladys Merle 
called a meeting of her particular clique in 
a palm-sheltered corner. 

^^Well, what do you make of these new 
girls?’’ Anita Ryan asked. Anita never 
ventured an opinion of her own, being al- 
ways content, it would seem, to echo Gladys 
Merle. 


76 


76 


ADELE DOEING 


I presume that some of them come from 
well-to-do families,” this young lady conde- 
scended to say, but I am not so sure of all 
of them, and there is one among them whom 
I think we should especially ignore until we 
find out something definite about her social 
standing.” 

Which one is that? ” Anita inquired. 

It’s the one who came first,” was the 
answer. ^^That Carol Lorens! Now, is 
there any way for us to find out how much 
money her father has?” 

I overheard Madame Deriby saying that 
the Lorens family were old friends of the 
Dartmoors and that surely ought to be 
enough for us,” little Janet Nagel declared. 

Janet was not always as submissive a 
follower as Gladys Merle would wish. 

Well, hearsay is not enough for me if it 
is for you. I shall not associate with that 
girl until I know who she is, nor with any of 
the rest of them ! ” Gladys declared with a 
toss of her head. 

I have an aunt living near Sunnyside,” 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 

Anita said. I’ll write her and ask about 
these new girls.” 

But Madame Deriby reads every letter 
that goes out of this school, and she never 
would permit us to write and inquire about 
the social standing of these new pupils,” 
Janet Nagel declared. 

‘‘Indeed, is that so?” Gladys Merle in- 
quired with a slight lift of her brow. “I 
am quite sure that Madame Deriby does not 
read all of my letters. Miss Nagel. There 
are other ways of mailing them than in the 
school box, as perhaps you do not know.” 
Then turning to Anita she said, “ Go up to 
your room and write that letter and then 
you and I will slip out to the front gate and 
put it in the letter box.” 

Anita went and soon returned with the 
letter concealed in her pocket. They waited 
their chance and when all of the girls, with 
the teacher in charge, were interested in a 
basket-ball contest, they slipped out of the 
basement door and ran as fast as they could 
down the dark shrubbery-edged path to the 


78 


ADELE DOEING 


gate which seemed very far away at night. 
Suddenly they heard footsteps crunching 
on the gravel walk. They darted behind a 
bush to hide and none too soon, for in an- 
other moment two figures appeared. One 
of them was Patrick O’Neil and the other 
was Billie, who assisted him in the gardens 
and stables. 

It’s mighty queer ! the boy was saying. 
“ I am sure I saw somebody on the walk a 
minute ago, but now there isn’t anybody 
there.” 

“ Probably ’twas just shadows,” Patrick 
replied. When the moon goes in and out 
behind the clouds, the way it’s doin’ to- 
night, it’s ghostly-lookin’ here under the 
trees.” 

“ I don’t believe it was shadows,” Bill in- 
sisted. It might be robbers or something. 
I’m going to hunt among the bushes. Give 
me your flashlight.” 

Gladys and Anita clung to each other 
scarcely daring to breathe. There was a 
moment of suspense and then Patrick said: 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL Y9 

Guess I didn’t bring it. ThougM I put it 
in my coat pocket. Come along, Bill. I tell 
you ’twasn’t nothing but shadows.” 

The girls could see that Bill went reluc- 
tantly, and they didn’t dare creep out from 
behind the shrubbery until they were sure 
that the man and boy had reached the 
stables, but they didn’t know Bill. 

He told Pat that he guessed he’d stay out 
a spell and watch the moon, but instead he 
hid not far from the girls, for he was very 
sure that he had not been mistaken. When 
the crunching footsteps were heard no more, 
Anita and Gladys crept out and ran at top 
speed for the gate. Bill, elated to find that 
he had not been wrong, darted behind the 
hedge and kept close back of them. 

The gate was a long way from the school, 
and a large iron-framed lantern hung just 
above it. For one second the girls were in 
the full light, and Billie, who had hoped 
they were robbers, was indeed disappointed. 

As they returned, he stepped out in front 
of them and said, ‘‘ Huh ! i^othin’ but girls. 


80 


ADELE BOBINGr 


Breakin^ tke rules, I s^pose.” Tken, thrust- 
ing his hands in his pockets, he strode off to- 
ward the stables. 

The two girls, keeping hidden in the 
shadows, crept back through the basement 
door and joined the others behind the palms. 

Well, the letter is safely mailed,’’ Anita 
whispered to the waiting group. told 
Auntie to be careful how she worded her 
answer so that Madame Deriby would not 
suspect that we had written.” 

‘^You would probably be expelled if it 
were found out,” Janet remarked. 

Perhaps you are planning to tell on us, 
Miss Nagel,” Gladys Merle flashed. 

No, I’m not,” was the calm reply, but 
probably Billie will, or Patrick.” 

Gladys Merle, pretending not to hear, 
turned to Anita as she said, We ought to 
have an answer from that letter in two or 
three days, so keep on the lookout.” 



“Huh! Nothin’ but girls.” — Fage 79 





CHAPTER TEN 


THE DOWNFALL OF GLADYS MERLE 

On Monday morning, Gladys Merle and 
Anita Ryan, tlie two who were especially 
interested, began to watch for an answer, 
but of course none came that day. On Tues- 
day morning, the r^iin fell heavily. Gladys 
Merle looked out of a class-room window 
watching for the rural postman, but no one 
appeared. 

Isn’t it just our luck?” Gladys ex- 
claimed at the mid-morning recreation, as 
the two girls stood gazing dolefully out at 
the storm. 

The hill road will be so muddy in a few 
hours that it will be impossible for the post- 
man’s horse and cart to get up here,” Anita 
declared, when Gladys, clutching her arm, 
whispered excitedly, Look, there he is 
now ! ” 


81 


82 


ADELE DOEIISTG 


A man, well protected by a rubber slicker, 
soon entered the school and deposited a 
mail-bag at Madame Deriby’s door. 

How I do wish Miss Sharpleigh would 
come now and sort out the letters,” Gladys 
Merle had just said, when a gong sounded, 
which called them back to their classes. 
Never before had an hour seemed so long, 
and when at last they were free, they went 
directly to Madame Deriby’s o£Q.ce, but the 
mail-bag was still unopened. 

Oh, Miss Sharpleigh,” Anita said in her 
sweetest manner, would it be too much 
trouble for you to see if there is a letter for 
me? I am expecting one from my Aunt 
Laura.” 

Miss Sharpleigh, chancing to be in a 
pleasant humor, unfastened the mail-bag 
and glanced over the letters. Selecting one, 
she opened it, as was the custom, but, in- 
stead of reading it, as she usually did, she 
merely glanced at the end to see if it were 
really from a relative. Your loving Aunt 
Laura ” was all that she read, and then, be- 


AT BOAEDmG-SCHOOL 


83 


lieving that the contents of the letter must 
be all right, she handed it to Anita, who, 
with a look of triumph at Gladys, hurried 
from the office. 

Now let^s all meet in my room as soon 
as dinner is over,” she whispered. “ Tell 
the others to be there promptly.” 

An hour later eight girls were gathered 
in Anita’s room. Because of the storm, they 
could not have their usual outdoor recrea- 
tion and so they had been told that they 
might do whatever they wished. 

Sit down, every one,” Gladys Merle ex- 
claimed. Anita has read the letter to her- 
self and now she will read it aloud to you. 
I guess you will be surprised at what you 
are to hear. 

Lfock the door, somebody,” Gladys Merle 
went on. ‘^We don’t want to be inter- 
rupted while we are deciding the fate of 
these newcomers. 

Jenny Clark sprang up to do their leader’s 
bidding, and then, when she was reseated in 
the semicircle on the floor in front of the 


84 


ADELE DOBING 


fireplace, Anita Ryan opened the letter and 
began to read : 

“ My dear Niece : You ask about a group 
of girls who recently left Sunnyside to at- 
tend the Linden Hall boarding-school. They 
all belong to well-to-do families except Carol 
Lorens. I have been told that her father is 
a poor lawyer who could not afford to send 
his daughter to a fashionable school and it is 
rumored that she was sent there as a paid 
companion for the wealthy Mr. Dartmoor’s 
granddaughter.” 

There! What do you think of that?” 
Gladys Merle exclaimed as she looked about 
triumphantly. ^‘You see I was right. It 
pays to snub a girl until you find out who 
she really is.” 

Then, to the surprise of the others, little 
Janet Nagel said, defiantly, I don’t care if 
Carol Lorens’ father is poor. I think she is 
a lovely girl, and I, for one, am not going to 
snub her. One might think that your father 
was nobility, Gladys Merle, by the way you 
act.” 

The young lady addressed tossed her 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


85 


kead indignantly. “ My father is rich 
enough to buy any kingdom on this earth/’ 
she boasted, and he’s handsome and 
stately,” she added, but before many days 
passed she had occasion to regret that she 
had uttered this untrue statement, since it 
had not been necessary. 

That night when the pupils were gathered 
in their recreation hall, Gladys Merle 
brushed against Carol and did not apologize 
for her rudeness. Janet Nagel, who had 
seen this, flashed an indignant glance at 
Gladys and then hurrying after Carol, she 
slipped her arm about her waist as she said : 

I like you. Miss Lorens. I wish I might 
be one of your friends.” 

Gladys stared after the retreating form 
of this, the flrst of her followers to desert 
her, and then turning to the others she re* 
marked, scornfully, are well rid of 

her! Hereafter we will snub Janet Nagel 
as well as this Carol Lorens. Adele Bor- 
ing is the one whom we should cultivate, for 
Anita’s aunt wrote that Mr. Boring owns 


86 


ADELE DOEIJSTG 


nearly all of tlie land around Sunnyside and 
tliat he is very rich.” 

The next day Gladys Merle tried to culti- 
vate Adele but to her surprise, instead of 
acting as though she felt highly honored, 
that maiden, nodding coolly, gathered up 
her books and walked away. 

Well, I declare ! ” Gladys Merle thought. 

Such airs ! But perhaps she hasn^t heard 
how rich my father is.” Gladys was se- 
cretly glad that none of her clique were in 
the library to see their leader being snubbed. 

Adele did know how rich Gladys Merle’s 
father was, but she also knew that her 
friend, Carol Lorens, had been rudely 
treated, and the Sunnysiders were always 
loyal one to another. 

Before many hours had passed, Gladys 
Merle deeply regretted that she had asked 
Anita to write that letter of inquiry. 


CHAPTER ELEVEN 


TRUE NOBILITY 

The next day Gladys Merle received a let- 
ter from her mother in Chicago stating that 
her father had gone to Buffalo on business 
and would drop in at Linden Hall and pay 
her a call. Gladys was alone in her room 
when she read this letter, which was lucky, 
for her uncontrolled anger and grief were 
so great that she threw herself down on the 
bed and sobbed. 

I’ll be disgraced forever if Pa comes 
here,” she thought, after all I’ve said about 
his handsome looks. But he shan’t come! 
When he telephones. I’ll tell him that I 
would rather meet him in Buffalo.” 

Because of her tear-swollen face, Gladys 
Merle did not go down to the library for 

the “hour of politeness.” It might have 
87 


88 


ADELE DOEING 


been better for her peace of mind if she 
had been there. Miss Merritt had been 
drilling the girls in graceful curtsies and 
they were just resting in groups, when, at 
the open front door there appeared a short, 
stout, red-faced man who was smiling af- 
fably. To the amazement of the girls, he 
walked into the room without ceremony. 

“ This here is the young ladies^ boarding- 
school, ain’t it? ” he asked genially of Janet 
Nagel, who happened to be nearest. 

Is my gal anywhere handy? I dropped 
in to surprise her sort of, though her ma 
did write that I’d be hikin’ around this 
way.” 

Miss Merritt stepped up to the stranger 
and said kindly, If you will tell me the 
name of your daughter, I will have her 
called.” 

My gal is Gladys Jones,” the father said 
proudly. He did not notice the murmur of 
amazement, nor would he have understood 
it, but in that moment Gladys Merle lost her 
following. 


AT BOAEDIKG-SCHOOL 


89 


A maid was sent to call the girl, but she 
pleaded illness, and asked that her father 
be permitted to come to her. What hap- 
pened, even the girls in her own clique 
never knew, but for hours after Mr. Jones 
had left, a puzzled and saddened man, 
Gladys Merle refused to leave her room. 
She was sure that all the pupils would be 
laughing at her and she determined that she 
would not remain in that school another 
day. She would pack her trunk and leave 
the very next morning for her home. She 
had told an untruth. She had said that her 
father was stately and handsome, when all 
the time she knew, only too well, that he 
was merely an uneducated ranchman. True, 
he had great wealth, but Gladys Merle had 
been learning in the last few days that the 
girls of Linden Hall did not have the re- 
spect for riches that she had supposed they 
would have. She was still feeling humil- 
iated from the cool manner in which Adele 
Doring had treated her. 

I’ll pack my trunk this very minute and 


90 


ADELE DOEING 


1^11 leave this school without facing a one 
of those horrid girls/’ she thought, and 
springing up she pulled open her bureau 
drawers and was just about to take out an 
armful of clothing when there came a light 
rap on her door. Gladys Merle tossed 
her head. just won’t see anybody,” 
she thought. I suppose it’s Janet 
Nagel come to taunt me, but she won’t 
get the chance, so she might as well go 
away.” 

However, the rapping continued, and a 
sweet voice, which certainly was not Janet’s, 
was calling, Gladys Merle, may I come in 
a moment, please? ” 

Out of curiosity Gladys opened the door 
a crack. Then she stepped back in surprise, 
and her face flushed a deep crimson, for the 
girl standing without was no other than 
Carol Lorens. 

Only a few moments before Janet Nagel 
had told Carol the whole story and that 
kind girl felt sorry indeed for Gladys and 
decided to call on her and see if she could 


AT BO AKDING SCHOOL 


91 


not help her in some way. “May I oome 
in? ’’ Carol repeated pleasantly. 

Gladys Merle’s first impulse was to slam 
the door but instead, she heard herself say- 
ing, “ Oh, come in If you want to. I’ve 
been so humiliated I don’t care about any- 
thing.” 

Then, fiinging herself on the bed, she 
sobbed and sobbed. Carol closed the door 
and went to the bedside as she said kindly, 
“ I Imow that I am a stranger to you, 
Gladys, but my mother has so often told me 
how to find the silver lining of each trouble 
that comes, I thought perhaps I might help 
you.” 

“ There isn’t any help out of my trouble,” 
Gladys Merle sobbed afresh. “ I’ve been a 
silly, that’s what ! I told the girls that my 
father was stately and handsome, and he 
isn’t, he’s as backwoodsy as he can be, but 
he had no right to come to the school and 
humiliate me.” 

“ I saw your father,” Carol said, “ and I 
liked his honest face and the merry twinkle 


ADELE DOKING 


in Ms kind blue eyes, and if you are better 
educated than he is, remember that it is your 
father to whom you owe it. My great-grand- 
father, Gladys, had a royal title offered to 
him by the king of England, but he refused 
it, saying that he would rather remain sim- 
ply a minister of the gospel and a gentle- 
man. There is a book down in the library 
called ‘ The Making of Eoyalty,’ that tells 
all about it, and my name is in it as being 
the youngest member of the American 
branch of the family of Lorens. I was the 
youngest member then, but now there are 
the twins.’^ 

Gladys Merle gasped. To think that she 
had been trying to snub a girl whose an- 
cestor might have been royalty and wouldn’t. 

An hour later the pupils of Linden Hall 
Seminary were amazed to see Gladys Merle 
Jones and Carol Lorens enter the dining- 
room together. 

The next morning Gladys telephoned to 
Buffalo and asked her father if she might 
come up and spend the day with him. 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


93 


Mr. Jones was overjoyed and decided that 
a headache had been the cause of the out- 
burst of the day before. 

After that the young ladies of Linden 
Hall heard no more about Gladys Merle’s 
great wealth. 


CHAPTER TWELVE 


A WISH FULFILLED 

A WEBK^ crowded with, new and delightful 
experiences, had passed since Adele Bor- 
ing and her friends had arrived at Linden 
Hall Seminary. The girls from Sunnyside 
were well started in their classes and having 
resolved to study earnestly, they spent much 
of their time with their hooks, hut of course 
there were the recreation hours and the free 
time, and long rambles accompanied hy the 
youngest teacher. Miss Merritt, and horse- 
hack rides down the beautiful wood roads 
with the riding-master, Mr. Haley. 

One day when the girls were leaving their 
classes, Janet i^agel met them in the cor- 
ridor and told them that Madame Berihy 
wished them to remain in the library for a 
while and come to her office one hy one as 
their names would he called. 

What could it mean? Had they hrokeai 
94 


AT BOARDING-SCHOOL 


95 


any of the rules they wondered as they filed 
into the large quiet room which happened 
to be unoccupied. Before they could discuss 
the matter, Madame Deriby’s door opened 
and Bertha Angel was called. 

Little Betty Burd clutched Adele and 
whispered, Oh, Della, do you suppose 
Madame Deriby would mind very much if 
I went in with you? Vm scared to go 
alone ! ” 

“Scared of what, Little One?” Adele 
asked merrily. “Madame Deriby is not a 
witch ! She is as kind and motherly as she 
can be.” 

Five minutes passed and Bertha came out 
of the office smiling as though her visit had 
been a pleasant one. 

“ Doris, you are to go in next,” she said. 

When the door had closed behind Doris, 
Betty seized Bertha and whispered : 

“ What happened to you in there. Bur die? 
Were you scared? ” 

“ Of course not,” Bertha declared. “ Ma- 
dame Deriby just wanted to know which 


96 


ADELE DOKING 


courses I preferred taking and if I cared 
to study music and languages.” 

I suppose you told her that you would 
like to study Chinese and Greek,” the little 
girl said. 

Bertha laughed gaily. 

No, Bettykins,” she replied, “ your guess 
is all wrong, hut I did tell Madame Deriby 
that I would like to take Latin and French.” 

Oh-h ! ” moaned the child dismally, 

and I suppose now she will expect us all 
to want to he as wise as you are.” 

But Betty said no more, for the office door 
was opening and her own name was being 
called. With a wild look at Adele she dis- 
appeared, to return in a very few moments, 
her pretty face dimpled with smiles. 

Oh ! Madame Deriby is a perfect dear ! ” 
she exclaimed. “ 1^11 never be scared of her 
again. I just know that I am going to 
adore her ! ” 

Last of all it was Adele^s turn, and when 
she came out of the office, her eyes were 
shining like stars. 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


97 


Oh, girls ! ” she said, “ something won- 
derful has happened ! Come up to our room 
as quickly as ever you can and I will tell 
you all about it ! ” 

Much mystified, the girls trooped after 
their favorite and when they reached their 
sun-flooded Apple-Blossom Alley, they clam- 
ored, “ Della, do tell us what it is. You 
look as though something ever so nice was 
just about to happen.’’ 

See if you can guess ! ” that maiden ex- 
claimed. It’s the one thing that I’ve been 
wishing and wishing for the very most of 
all.” 

Oh, then it will not be hard to guess,” 
Betty Burd declared. ^‘It must be that 
Gertrude Willis is coming to Linden Hall.” 

Adele nodded brightly. Sit down, every- 
body, and I’ll tell you all about it.” 

Down on the floor they sat in a semicir- 
cle. They found this better for confidences 
than being scattered about the room on 
chairs. 

Well,” Adele began, I was in Madame 


98 


ADELE BOEING 


Deriby’s office and in answer to her ques- 
tion, I bad just told ber that I liked litera- 
ture best of all, when there came a knock 
on tbe door and Miss Berry, tbe kinder- 
garten teacher, came in and ber eyes were 
red and swollen. She held an open letter. 
Madame Deriby stood up and put an arm 
about ber. Miss Berry, you know, is hardly 
more than a girl herself. They bad both 
forgotten about me, and I was wondering if 
I ought to leave tbe room when tbe teacher 
said that ber little brother was ill, and 
cried for ber day and night, and she did so 
want to go to him. 

^ Of course you must go ! ’ Madame Der- 
iby said kindly. ^Ask Marie to help you 
pack and I will have Patrick bring around 
tbe bus. You ought to be able to catch tbe 
afternoon train.’ 

^^Wben Miss Berry was gone, Madame 
Deriby telephoned to tbe stables and then 
she sat down and looked thoughtful for a 
moment. At last, turning to me with a 
smile, she said, ^ Adele, I was just wishing 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


99 


that I knew some real nice older girl who 
would like to come to Linden Hall and help 
teach the very little ones in exchange for 
her tuition.’ 

Girls, when I heard that I almost cried 
out in delight. However, I tried to hide my 
joy and I said as quietly as I could, ‘ Ma- 
dame Deriby, I know just such a girl and I 
am sure that you would like to have her.’ 
Then I told her all about our darling Trudie. 
Madame Deriby was ever so pleased and she 
told me to write and ask if Gertrude can 
come next Saturday, and since that will be 
day after to-morrow, I must pen the epistle 
at once,” she ended, springing up and skip- 
ping to her desk. 

Then, when the letter had been mailed, the 
girls from Sunnyside waited in almost 
breathless eagerness to know whether or not 
their dear friend could join them at Linden 
Hall. 


CHAPTER THIRTEEN 

THE NEW TEACHER 

Great was the excitement in Apple-Blos- 
som Alley on Saturday morning. Adele was 
up before the rising bell and as soon as she 
was dressed, she tapped on each of the 
neighboring doors calling, ^^Wake up! 
Maybe Gertrude is coming to-day.” 

I am so glad that it is Saturday,” Betty 
Burd declared. Perhaps Madame Deriby 
will allow us all to go to the station to meet 
Trudie, and won’t we hug her though? ” 

“ But we are not sure that she is coming,” 
Bertha Angel said. 

I’m sure ! ” Adele declared. Oh, good, 
there’s the breakfast bell and now maybe we 
shall hear something about it.” 

Just as the eight girls were tripping down 
the wide front stairs, a telephone rang in 

Madame Deriby’s office. Marie, a maid, ap- 
100 


AT BOAKDIKG-SCHOOL 


101 


peared from tlie library to answer it, but a 
second later sbe came out and beckoned to 
Adele. Please, Miss, will you answer the 
’pbone? IPs long-distance and I^m not good 
at hearing,” she said. 

With a rapidly beating heart, the girl took 
up the receiver. 

Is this the Linden Hall boarding- 
school? ” a faint voice inquired. 

Yes it is,” Adele replied. 

This is Mr. Willis and I wish to say that 
my daughter, Gertrude, is leaving on the 
early morning train and will reach Linden 
at two o’clock this afternoon.” 

O goodie ! Mr. Willis, I’m so glad ! This 
is Adele. Tell Trudie the bus will be at the 
station to meet her. Good-bye.” 

Adele turned around with shining eyes 
and found Madame Deriby smiling down at 
her. 

So your friend can come,” she said 
kindly. I am very glad. Would you girls 
like to ride down in the bus to meet the 
train? ” 


102 


ADELE POKING 


TEank you ! We would Just love to ! 
Adele declared. 

The other pupils were already gathered in 
the dining-room when this group entered 
and they wondered at the eight shining 
faces. 

“ Something must have happened to 
please those girls from Sunnyside,” one of 
the seniors remarked. And something surely 
had. 

Adele,” Peggy Pierce exclaimed, when 
they were once again in Apple-Blossom Al- 
ley, where is Gertrude to sleep? All of 
the beds on this corridor are occupied.” 

“ Perhaps I would better go back to my 
old room,” Evelyn Dartmoor suggested. 

“ No, indeed,” Adele declared. Betty, if 
Madame Deriby is willing, don’t you think 
that we could have another single bed in 
here for Gertrude? ” 

Oh, Della, I’d love to have her with us,” 
the little one cried clapping her hands glee- 
fully. 

Then I will go at once and ask for per- 


AT BOARDING-SCHOOL 


103 


mission/’ Adele said. Madame Deriby had 
planned giving Miss Berry’s pretty room to 
Gertrude for the time being, but when she 
realized how much it meant to the girls 
from Sunnyside to have their friend with 
them, she smilingly consented, and soon 
thereafter Patrick appeared with another 
single bed and it was found that there was 
plenty of room to place the three in a row. 

Evelyn, who had slipped away, reappeared 
carrying a bowl of beautiful roses. 

Girls,” she said, I want to put these 
flowers that Grandpa sent me on the little 
table by Gertrude’s bed.” 

^^Oh, Evelyn, how nice!” Adele ex- 
claimed. I am sure that Trudie will like 
her corner.” 

During the morning hours, the girls went 
about their tasks with happy hearts and 
when one would pass another, she would joy- 
fully exclaim, Gertrude’s coming to-day ! ” 

At last one-thirty arrived and also Pat- 
rick and the school bus, into which the eight 
girls from Apple-Blossom Alley climbed, 


104 


ADELE BOEING 


then, down the elm-arched drive the two 
spirited white horses trotted at a brisk pace. 

It was five minutes to two when the bus 
drew up at the station, but no one was in 
sight. Fifteen minutes passed, and the 
train did not appear. 

It must be late,” Adele said. Fm going 
to hunt for the station-master and inquire.” 
She found him asleep in the warm waiting- 
room. 

Mr. Station-Master,” Adele said clearly, 
“ will you kindly tell me why the two o’clock 
train is late? ” 

The grey-bearded man sat up with a start. 

Wall, is that so? ” he exclaimed. Sure 
enough, it must be late, but that’s nothin’ 
unusual. It’s a short line and the train sort 
of comes and goes to suit itself. Nothin’ 
could happen to it unless it ran off the track. 
It couldn’t bump into anything, for it’s the 
only train between here and Buffalo.” 

Just then the telephone rang and the old 
station-master limped to get the message. 

Wall, now, you don’t say ! ” he exclaimed 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


105 


in surprise to the person at the other end 
of the line. “That there train has done 
queer things in its time, but this sure is the 
queerest.” 

“It isn’t wrecked, is it?” Adele asked 
anxiously. 

“ Nope, not exactly, so to speak,” the old 
man replied, “but the switch didn’t work 
right about half a mile from here, and the 
train went off on a siding and there she’s 
stuck.” 

“Oh, poor Gertrude, all alone off on a 
siding,” Adele exclaimed, then she added, 
“ But, Patrick, if it’s only half a mile from 
here, can’t we go over and get her? ” 

“ Climb roight in,” the Irishman called, 
“ and hold toight, for I’m goin’ to do some 
fast drivin’.” 

The spirited horses, being urged by Pat- 
rick’s shouts and the snapping of the long 
whip, went on a gallop, and before long they 
saw a short train, from which Gertrude 
laughingly emerged to greet them. 

“You poor darling ! ” Adele said when they 


106 


ADELE DOKING 


had all hugged her. “ This is not a very 
^ propitious beginning ’ as Bob says.” 

I didn’t mind it at all,” Gertrude told 
them, and then, as the bus started on its 
schoolward way, she added with eyes shin- 
ing, “ Oh, girls, I am so glad, so very, very 
glad that I am with you at last. I just 
know that we are going to have the hap- 
piest times together.” 

Gertrude little dreamed that she was soon 
to meet some one in the neighborhood of 
Linden who eventually would bring even 
greater joy into her life. 


CHAPTER FOURTEEN 


ORPHAN ALISB 

Madame Deriby had been charmed with 
her youngest teacher, and on Monday Ger- 
trude took Miss Berry^s place and sihiled 
lovingly down into the uplifted faces of her 
ten pupils whose ages ranged from five to 
seven. Before the hour was over the tots 
loved her and when at last the bell of dismis- 
sal rang, they crowded about her, and seated 
in the low rocker she held many of them in 
her arms and told them of the pleasant times 
they were to have all together. 

One, a golden-haired little girl of six, stood 
back holding her dolly close and watching 
the merry group with wistful brown eyes. 
Then a kindly faced woman in cap and 
apron came to take the little ones to the 
nursery, but this child did not go. 

Believing that she was alone Gertrude sat 
107 


108 


ADELE DOKING 


for a moment looking out of the window and 
thinking of the brothers and sisters at home, 
perhaps just a bit lonely, when she felt a 
small hand touching her timidly. 

Looking down, she beheld the sweet face 
of little Alise gazing up at her. 

^^Miss Gertrude,” she asked, ‘‘will you 
please let me love you? Vm not anybody's 
little girl now.” 

Lifting the child to her lap, the young 
teacher held her close as she murmured ten- 
derly, “ Dear, darling little Alise. I know 
how lonely you must be and indeed I do 
want you to love me. I was just thinking 
of my sister Euth at home and feeling a bit 
lonely for her. I’ll tell you what,” she 
added brightly, “you be little sister to me 
and I’ll be big sister to you. Won’t that 
be nice? ” 

The child’s eyes were shining happily, 
when the nurse reappeared, having realized 
that Alise must have been left behind. 
When they were gone Adele came and found 
Gertrude still seated in the low chair and 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


109 


deep in thouglit. Sitting on a stool beside 
her she asked, “What is it, Trudie? Is 
something troubling you? ’’ 

Gertrude put her hand lovingly on her 
friend’s shoulder as she replied, “Yes, Della, 
in a way. I was just wondering why some 
of us have so much love in our lives and oth- 
ers so little. You and I have so many home 
folks to care for us and here is Alise, 
scarcely more than a baby, starting to grow 
up into girlhood with no one to love her. 
Madame Deriby was telling me about her 
only this morning. It seems that her mother, 
who was a beautiful girl, married against 
a stern father’s wishes and he never forgave 
her, and when she died, he even refused to 
see her child. Instead, he had his lawyer 
bring her here to Linden Hall. Even Ma- 
dame Deriby does not know who the grand- 
father is nor where he lives. Now, isn’t 
that sad? The child will be immensely rich 
some day, the lawyer said, but oh, Della, 
money can never take the place of home 
love.” 


110 


ADELE DOUINGr 


Then rising, she added brightly, “Well, 
Alise is going to have some one to love her, 
and that some one is her new teacher. Adele, 
isn^t it queer about these hearts of ours? 
We think that they are bulging full of love, 
but, when the need arises, they can always 
make room for just one more.” 

These two girls, as they sauntered toward 
the tennis-courts, arm in arm, little dreamed 
that Alise was to bring a wonderful happi- 
ness to one of them. 

The following Saturday, the equestrian 
class with Mr. Haley, their riding-master, 
started out for a canter. The road which 
they followed led between wide meadows, 
some purple and gold with autumn flowers 
and others, where recently cut grass was 
stacked in fragrant, sun-warmed mounds. 

Now and then they passed a neat, white 
farmhouse with bushes of golden-glow 
gleaming cheerfully in the dooryards. Then 
they entered a quiet wood where the maples 
were turning red and yellow. Beyond the 
wood a high, ivy-grown stone wall indicated 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


111 


that they were about to pass a country gen- 
tleman^s estate. Far back among wide 
spreading trees, they could catch glimpses 
of the turrets of a castle-like home. 

Mr. Haley, do you know anything about 
this place? ” Adele inquired. 

It belongs to an old and very wealthy 
family,” the riding-master replied, but it 
has not been occupied for about ten years. 
I am acquainted with Mr. Diggitt, the head 
gardener, and, since Elmhurst is one of the 
finest estates in the countryside, perhaps it 
would interest you young ladies to canter 
about the grounds.” 

^^Oh, Mr. Haley, I do wish that we 
might ! ” Kosamond, the romantic, ex- 
claimed. adore old places like this.” 

A moment later they were drawing rein in 
front of an ivy-covered lodge-house near the 
great iron gates. A plump, pleasant-faced 
woman bustled out and admitted them. 
‘^Youll find my man in the rose-garden,” 
Mrs. Diggitt said as she dropped a curtsy. 

Following the path indicated, they soon 


112 


ADELE DORING 


came upon the gardener, who greeted them 
pleasantly and leaned on his hoe to talk to 
Mr. Haley. 

You keep everything in excellent condi- 
tion, Mr. Diggitt,’’ the riding-master said, 
then he inquired, “ Is it true that the owner, 
Mr. Ellsworth, has not been here in ten 
years? ” 

‘^Yes, it’s true,” the gardener replied, 
^^and he may not come for another ten; 
there’s no way of telling. I never saw him 
myself, for I’ve only worked here this four 
year past, but the gardener before me said 
that the old gentleman was very hard to 
please, and if he should come, sudden-like, 
he would expect to find everything spick 
and span. Anyhow, I like to keep things 
up myself. Flowers are like children to 
me, and I don’t like to see them lookin’ 
neglected.” 

^^I have heard that Mr. Ellsworth is a 
crusty, overbearing old man and very difiS.- 
cult to deal with,” Mr. Haley said, then he 
added, Mr. Diggitt, do you mind if these 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


113 


young ladies canter about tbe grounds? 
They will be careful to do no harm.” 

The permission was granted and a mo- 
ment later Adele and Gertrude were riding 
side by side toward a picturesque grouping 
of trees in the midst of which something 
white was gleaming. 

I think it is a marble statue,” Gertrude 
said. 

You are right ! ” Adele exclaimed as she 
drew rein. How very beautiful it is and 
how lifelike! I do believe that a young 
girl posed for that statue.” 

Gertrude was gazing admiringly at the 
sweet, chiseled face, and, after a moment of 
thoughtful silence, she said, Della, it al- 
most seems as though I had known some 
one whom that statue resembles, but of 
course I haven’t.” 

Suddenly Adele uttered a joyful exclama- 
tion. I know whom it resembles ! ” she 
said. “Little Alise! She has that same 
sweet, half -wistful expression.” 

“ True ! ” Gertrude replied. “ There is a 


114 


ADELE DOBING 


name chiseled on the pedestal. It is so 
moss-grown that I cannot read it from here.^^ 
Out of curiosity the two girls dismounted, 
and bending, they studied for a moment the 
almost obliterated letters. 

Suddenly Gertrude seized Adele as she 
exclaimed, “ Della, this is almost uncanny. 
The first name is Alise, and the last begins 
with E-1, so of course it is Ellsworth. Do 
you suppose that can be a statue of our little 
Alise’s mother, and that crabbed old man 
Mr. Haley and the gardener were talking 
about, is her grandfather? ’’ 

“He might be,” Adele said as they re- 
mounted their horses. “ The name Alise is 
uncommon, and then again, the grandfather 
must have been familiar with Linden Hall 
or he would not have sent the child there, 
and, of course he would be, if he had lived 
so near, but it doesn’t much matter who the 
grandfather is, since he refuses to love our 
little Alise.” 

“ I just wish that I could see him face to 
face,” Gertrude declared indignantly, “ and 





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AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


115 


I would tell him how cruel he is to leave that 
poor sensitive child alone among strangers.’’ 

Little did the girls dream of the interest- 
ing adventure that the finding of the statue 
was to bring to them in the near future. 


CHAPTER FIFTEEN 


THE GRANDFATHER OF ALISE 

The following Friday, Madame Deriby 
asked the youngest teacher to ride to the sta- 
tion in the bus to meet a very small new 
pupil who was coming to Linden in the care 
of the conductor. 

On her return, Gertrude hailed Adele who 
was pacing up and down the deserted ter- 
race memorizing a French poem. Della 
turned and waited for her dearest friend. 
'^Why, Trudie!” she exclaimed. ^^Your 
eyes are shining as though you had some 
wonderful news to tell. Has anything hap- 
pened? ” 

^^Not yet,” the other laughingly replied, 
“ but iPs going to happen soon. Adele, just 
think of it, he has really come.” 

Who has come? ” Della inquired, much 
116 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


117 


mystified. “ I didn^t know that you were 
expecting any one/’ then she added eagerly, 
You don’t mean Jack or Boh, do you? ” 
Gertrude shook her head. Oh, I’m so 
excited,” she declared, but all that I really 
know about it is this. When I was down at 
the station just now, I saw several big 
trunks, and on the end of one I read the 
name A. K. Ellsworth. Of course, that is 
the crabbed old gentleman who lives at Elm- 
hurst, and now, if only I can find a way, I 
am going to call upon him and tell him what 
I think of him for neglecting poor little 
Alise.” 

Just then a gong sounded which called 
the girls to their classes and they went in- 
doors, both very much interested in the 
possible owner of the trunks. The next day, 
being Saturday, the opportunity for which 
Gertrude had been wishing came in the form 
of an errand which Madame Deriby asked 
her youngest teacher to do, since Patrick 
and Billie were both otherwise engaged. 
About a mile and a half from the school 


118 


ADELE DOKING 


was the farm of Mr. O^Kourke, and he it was 
who provided butter and eggs and chickens 
and vegetables, whenever they were needed 
at Linden Hall, and this day Gertrude had 
been asked to ride to the farm and order 
turkeys for the approaching Thanksgiving 
dinner. 

‘^Ask Adele to accompany you, if you 
wish,’’ Madame Deriby had said, and Ger- 
trude fairly flew up to the corner room 
where she found her dearest friend alone. 

The momentous hour has arrived ! ” Ger- 
trude exclaimed. “We are to go on an er- 
rand which leads us past the iron gates of 
Elmhurst.” 

“But, Trudie, you never would dare to 
ride up to the house and ask to speak to that 
dreadful Mr. Ellsworth, would you? He 
might not be the grandfather at all, and if 
he is as grouchy as every one says, your visit 
would not be a very pleasant one.” 

“ But I intend to take you along to pro- 
tect me,” Gertrude laughingly declared. 
“ Do close that book, Adele. You ought not 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


119 


to study Frencli on Saturday. Let^s don 
our riding-habits as soon as ever we can.” 

It was a glorious Indian-smnmer day 
with a soft, sun-warmed breeze wafting to 
them pleasant fragrance from wood and 
field. The two girls rode along, sometimes 
silently enjoying the loveliness of the morn- 
ing, and again talking together, wondering 
what the outcome of their visit would be. 
If they could have known, perhaps they 
would have passed Elmhurst without enter- 
ing. 

They were soon at the lodge-house and the 
neat little woman appeared and opened the 
gates. 

“ Good-morning, Mrs. Diggitt,” Gertrude 
said in her friendly way. Do you remem- 
ber us? We are pupils from Linden Hall 
and we were here recently with Mr. Haley, 
our riding-master, but to-day we have come 
to call upon Mr. Ellsworth, if we may.” 

There was a surprised expression on the 
woman’s face, and then she said, ^^Like as 
not Mr. Ellsworth will be pleased to see 


120 


ADELE BORING 


you. Just ride up to tKe big bouse and in- 
quire.” 

Leaving tbeir horses hitched to the iron 
posts by the side of the drive, the two girls 
ascended the broad stone steps and lifted 
the heavy knocker on the carved oak doors. 
Then they waited, their hearts fluttering in 
excitement. 

A trim maid appeared and upon hearing 
that they wished to see Mr. Ellsworth, she 
bade them enter the library and wait a bit. 

The girls were charmed with the high- 
ceiled, mahogany-furnished room which 
combined elegance and comfort. A log 
was burning on the flreplace over which 
hung the portrait of an old man, whose eyes, 
under shaggy brows, looked sharply down at 
them. 

“ Trudie, if that is a portrait of the gen- 
tleman we are calling upon,” Adele said 
softly, I think that we would better retreat 
before he comes in. His face looks so stern 
that I am sure he will order us out, when 
you tell him your errand.” 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 121 

But before they could leave, even if they 
had so desired, a voice close behind them 
said, Good-morning, young ladies. Did 
you wish to see me? ” 

Somehow this voice did not sound as gruff 
as they had expected, and turning, they 
were indeed surprised to find themselves 
facing a tall, good-looking lad of about 
eighteen. 

Gertrude’s self-possession never deserted 
her. There must be some mistake ! ” 
she said. ^‘We came to call upon an 
elderly gentleman, Mr. Ellsworth, whose 
portrait, I believe, is hanging over the 
mantel.” 

^^Grandfather is dead,” the lad replied, 
and my aunt and I have inherited this es- 
tate, but won’t you be seated? Aunt Louise 
will be down directly and she will be glad 
to make your acquaintance.” 

Mr. Ellsworth,” Gertrude began, I 
hardly know how to state our errand, but 
if you have a moment to spare I would like 
to tell you a story.” 


122 


ADELE DOKIISTG 


Then Gertrude told simply all that she 
knew of little Alise and of her resemblance 
to' the statue. The lad listened with in- 
tense interest. 

Tell me the name of the child,” he said 
when Gertrude paused. 

^‘Alise Alderly,” the girl had just replied 
when a pale, beautiful woman appeared in 
the doorway. 

^^Aunt Louise,” the lad exclaimed, leaping 
to meet her and taking her hand, “ I have 
news for you, wonderful news ! These 
young ladies are from Linden Hall and they 
tell me that there is a child attending the 
school named Alise Alderly.” 

The woman, her sweet face flushed with 
eagerness, held out both hands to the girls, 
who had risen. Do tell me about her ! ” 
she begged. “Just before my father died, 
he tried to tell me what he had done with my 
dear sister’s baby, but he was so weak that 
he could not. We have searched every- 
where for the past three months but have 
found no trace of her.” 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


123 


The girls were touched by the charming 
woman’s emotion and being again reseated, 
Gertrude told all that she knew of the 
orphan child. 

A happy light shone in the face of the 
listener as the story progressed, and when 
it was finished, she turned to her nephew, 
with tears in her eyes, as she said, ^‘Arthur, 
I am convinced that we have found my 
sister’s little one. Please order my car. 
I must visit Linden Hall at once and 
make further inquiries. If it is my dear 
sister’s child, oh, how happy, happy I shall 
be!” 

When the girls were again on the high- 
way, riding toward the farm beyond Elm- 
hurst, Gertrude exclaimed, “ If Alise is 
really related to that lovely woman and fine 
lad, how glad I will be that we were brave 
enough to make that visit, and I will now 
confess that I did dread meeting the stern 
old gentleman, especially after seeing his 
portrait.” 

I wish we might become better ac- 


124 


ADELE DOBING 


quainted with the Ellsworths,” Adele said. 
They are such charmiug people.” 

This wish was to be fulfilled in a most 
delightful way. 


CHAPTER SIXTEEN 


TAMING KATRINA 

One Saturday directly after breakfast the 
girls from Sunnyside were asked to meet in 
Adele’s room before beginning the tasks of 
the morning. 

What does it mean? ” Doris Drexel in- 
quired. ^^This is my practice hour and 
Professor Patz has given me such a difficult 
piece to learn.” 

^^We won’t keep you but a moment,” 
Adele said. “ Sit down, everybody, and I 
will tell you all about it.” 

In a semicircle in front of the fireplace 
they sat, and all turned wondering eyes to- 
ward Gertrude and Adele who had called the 
meeting. 

There has recently come to our school,” 
Della began, a young girl who might be 
very pretty were it not for a fretful and per- 
haps unhappy expression. In fact she has 
126 


126 


ADELE DOKING 


been here two weeks and I liave not seen her 
smile once.” 

Poor thing ! ” Carol Lorens exclaimed. 
^^Are you speaking of Katrina Mason? ” 
^^Yes, that is her name,” Adele replied, 
then turning to Gertrude she added, You 
tell what Madame Deriby wishes us to do.” 

Yesterday I was in the office making my 
weekly report,” the older girl began, 
when Madame Deriby said, ^ Gertrude, I 
am much troubled about our new pupil 
Katrina. She has been brought up by a 
wealthy and idolizing mother who has grati- 
fied her every wish. Realizing, perhaps too 
late, that she was spoiling her daughter, 
that mother has sent her to us, but unfor- 
tunately she is discontented and wishes to 
return to her home. You girls from Sunny- 
side have such pleasant times, I wish you 
would confer together and plan some way, 
if you can, to make Katrina happier.’ ” 

That will be a hard task,” Peggy Pierce 
said. She is in one of my classes and 
when Miss Sharpleigh tried to insist upon 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 127 


Katrina^s reciting, she stamped her foot and 
replied angrily that she had never been 
made to do anything against her will, and 
that she most certainly would not recite un- 
less she wanted to.” 

Poor little wild thing, she seems almost 
untamable,” Evelyn Dartmoor said pity- 
ingly. “Adele, have you and Gertrude 
thought of a plan? ” 

If the rest of you agree, I had thought it 
might be well to select one of us to call upon 
Katrina in her room this morning and per- 
haps invite her to join us this afternoon in 
some merry-making. Madame Deriby would 
grant us permission to do whatever we would 
wish.” 

“ Oh-h ! Don’t choose me ! ” Betty Burd 
begged. “I said good-morning real pleas- 
ant-like to Katrina only yesterday and she 
tossed her head and walked past in the 
rudest manner.” 

When I was a little girl,” Doris Drexel 
began, we used to say a rhyme and point 
at each child in the ring to see who would be 


128 


ADELE DOEING 


it. That would be a good way to select the 
one who is to call upon Katrina.’’ 

^^You repeat the rhyme then,” Gertrude 
suggested, and so Doris began, — 

‘‘Rosies, posies, violets so blue, 

Somebody must be it 
And that somebody is you.’* 

“ Poor Carol is the victim ! ” Betty Burd 
said sympathetically. 

The slender, pretty girl at whom Doris 
was pointing sprang up as she exclaimed 
brightly, “ I have nothing to do right this 
very minute and so I will begin at once to 
try to tame little Katrina. Let us meet here 
at the ten o’clock rest period and I will re- 
port results.” 

“ That will give me time to do my piano 
practice,” Doris declared as she arose. The 
girls then went about their different tasks, 
each wondering what the outcome of the 
visit would be. 

On leaving the others Carol Lorens did 
not go at once to Katrina. She first slipped 


AT BOAKDESTG-SCHOOL 


129 


into her own room, and finding no one there, 
she went to her dresser and lifted a picture 
in a silver frame and gazed at it tenderly. 
The sweet face of her mother looked out at 
her. 

“ Mummie,” she said softly, how would 
you go about it if you had to tame Katrina?” 

‘‘With loving kindness!” the thought 
flashed to Carol. Once her mother had told 
her that those two words linked together 
were all the creed of which one had need. 
Keplacing the photograph, the girl went 
with a light heart to the west wing and 
tapped on the door of the most luxurious 
room in the school. 

“ Come in ! ” a fretful voice called in reply 
to her knock. The girl curled on the win- 
dow-seat was reading a book and she did not 
even glance up when the door opened. 

“ Miss Mason, am I intruding? ” Carol 
asked pleasantly as she entered the room. 

Katrina turned and looked surprised. 
“ Oh ! ” she said, “ I supposed it was a maid. 
Be seated if you want to.” 


130 


ADELE Donma 


Betty was right. The girl was deliber- 
ately rude, but Carol would not leave until 
she had at least tried the power of loving 
kindness. 

Miss Mason,” she began, perhaps you 
have heard that just before Christmas we 
are to give a play, and I was wondering if 
you would like to take part. I am on the 
committee for selecting the actors,” she 
added with her friendliest smile. 

Katrina tossed her head as she replied 
haughtily, Well, I certainly do not care for 
a servant’s part, and I am told that is the 
only one that is not taken.” 

Carol knew that this was true. ^‘How 
would you like to be one of the summer 
girls? ” she asked. That was to have been 
my part, but I will gladly let you have it. 
In fact, I would rather enjoy being Norah. 
It’s such fun trying to speak the Irish 
brogue.” Then, taking from her pocket a 
folded paper, she handed it to the astonished 
girl as she said, These are the lines that 
you would have to speak. I copied them on 


AT BOAKDIJSTG-SCHOOL 


131 


a typewriter and they will not be bard to 
learn. Eosamond, Doris, and Betty are the 
other summer girls. I am sure you will like 
that part.” 

Thank you ! ” Katrina heard herself say- 
ing. She found it hard to be rude to Carol. 
Then she added impulsively, Miss Lorens, 
I have watched you and your friends often. 
You seem to be so happy all together, but 
none of the girls here like me. They think I 
am just horrid ! ” again the fretful expres- 
sion in the face, which, for a moment, had 
been truly pretty. 

If you wish them to like you,” Carol be- 
gan, you might try loving kindness.” 

Katrina looked puzzled. ^‘But how?” 
she asked curiously. 

The visitor smiled. Isn’t there some- 
thing nice that you could do for the girls? 
I am sure that if they knew that you wanted 
to be friends, they would be willing to come 
more than half-way.” 

After a thoughtful moment, Katrina 
looked up with a smile. I might share the 


132 


ADELE DOBING 


box of goodies which Mother sent me for my 
Thanksgiving treat,” she said. ^^Do you 
suppose they would like that? ” 

“ Oh, that will be a splendid way,” Carol 
exclaimed joyously, ^‘and now let’s plan 
how you are to do it.” 

At the ten o’clock rest period Carol 
skipped into Adele’s room where her friends 
were all eagerly awaiting her. 

“Well, did you tame Katrina?” Betty 
Burd inquired. 

Carol’s face was shining. “ I do believe 
that Katrina is as nice as she can be under- 
neath,” she said; then she added with a 
twinkle, which she tried to hide, “at any 
rate she is tamed enough to wish us to 
call upon her at five this afternoon. Kow, 
girls, when we make this call, I want you 
all to act as though you really liked Katrina, 
and that will help you to like her, I am 
sure.” 

“We will do just as you say,” Doris 
Drexel replied in a doleful tone, “ but I am 


AT BOARDING-SCHOOL 


133 


quite sure that we are going to be dreadfully- 
bored.” 

A happy surprise awaited the girls. 


CHAPTER SEVENTEEN 


AN UNEXPECTED SPREAD 

Carol^ upon leaving Katrina’s room, went 
at once to the ofQ.ce and Madame Deriby 
gladly granted tlie permission which was 
requested. 

The matron was sorry indeed for the fret- 
ful, discontented girl, and she believed that 
the wholesome, happy maidens from Sunny- 
side would be the best companions that she 
could possibly have. 

At the hour of five Carol again entered 
Apple-Blossom Alley and found the others 
waiting for her to escort them to “ Iceland,” 
as Peggy Pierce called Katrina’s room. 

^^Now remember,” their leader warned, 

every one is to be just as charming as she 
knows how.” 

We’ll promise ! ” Doris Drexel declared. 

134 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


135 


let the procession proceed. If we 
must call upon a young tigress, let’s get it 
over as soon as possible.” 

Into the west wing they trooped and Carol 
tapped upon a closed door which was 
thrown open at once. There stood a pretty 
girl who was welcoming them in a manner 
truly gracious. Bettykins wanted to rub 
her eyes to make sure that she was awake. 
This could not possibly be the Katrina 
whom they had so disliked, but Adele under- 
stood. She realized that Carol had also 
suggested to the hostess that she welcome 
her guests as though she really liked them. 

“Katrina,” Carol was saying, “permit 
me to introduce to you Adele Boring, a 
maiden fair, whose name will one day be 
known from ocean to ocean as a poetess of 
great renown. She can rhyme cat and rat 
without the slightest effort, and this next 
maiden with the short golden curls and the 
cheeks that a peach would envy, is Eosa- 
mond Wright, famous for having made tat- 
ting of seven varieties. And these two 


136 


ADELE DOKING 


whose arms are linked are the Inseparables, 
by name Doris Drexel and Peggy Pierce. It 
doesn’t matter which is which, for each 
comes when the other is called, and this tall 
young lady with a solemn air and spectacles 
is our mathematician, Bertha Angel, and 
this youngster with the brown braids and a 
dimple is our youngest, known either as 
‘ Little One ’ or Betty Burd. Gertrude Wil- 
lis couldn’t come, because she has taken the 
baby class to the woods, and Evelyn Dart- 
moor has gone to Buffalo to spend the week- 
end with her grandfather. Otherwise, we of 
the Sunnyside Club are all present.” 

“ Oh, Carol ! ” Adele laughed, ‘‘ did you 
say all that in one breath? I am sure we 
feel very much honored, but, Katrina, don’t 
you believe a word that she says about us.” 

I won’t ! ” Katrina smilingly replied. 
‘^I’ll find out for myself. Kow be seated 
anywhere. I think that there are chairs 
enough and five of you can sit on the win- 
dow-seat.” 

Kosamond dropped into the easiest chair 


AT BOAEDIKG-SCHOOL 


137 


and the others curled up here and there 
while Carol announced, Girls, I have 
brought all of the parts for the play, and I 
thought it would be fun to read them over 
to just get an idea when our turns come 
in.’’ 

The play was an amusing one and this in- 
formal rehearsal caused much merriment 
and laughter, and, before any one realized 
that an hour had passed, the get-ready-for- 
supper bell was ringing in the corridor. 

Bertha stood up. We ought to go now,” 
she announced, but Carol said mysteriously, 
No, not yet. J ust sit ever so still and see 
what is going to happen.” 

The visitors looked surprised but did as 
they were told. Some of them had noticed 
that one corner of the room was screened in 
a manner which suggested that something 
was being hidden, but they had thought lit- 
tle of it until Katrina and Carol removed 
the screens and revealed a table laden with 
good things to eat. 

Ohee ! ” squealed the irrepressible Betty 


138 


ADELE DOKING 


Burd. “ Girls, aren’t you glad that you 
were invited? ” 

‘‘ Suppose you all sit on the floor now in a 
circle,” Carol suggested, and then Katrina 
and I will pass the feast.” 

Katrina, who had always had a maid to 
wait upon her, actually enjoyed the novel 
experience of serving her guests. 

Suddenly she thought of something. 

Oh, Adele,” she exclaimed, “ don’t you sup- 
pose that your friend Gertrude Willis would 
be free and could join us now? ” 

Adele, who had been wishing that Ger- 
trude was with them, sprang up as she said, 

I am sure Trudie would love to come. I 
will go and And her.” 

Gertrude, who had heard nothing about 
the taming of Katrina, was in the south 
wing wondering where all the girls could 
be, and she gladly accompanied Adele back 
to the party, where she was graciously re- 
ceived by the beaming hostess. 

On the floor they all sat in a big circle, 
and to each was given a plate heaped with 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


139 


cold turkey and cranberry jelly. Potato 
chips, olives, candy, frosted cookies, a huge 
chocolate-cake, and grape- juice completed 
the feast. 

Eosamond Wright was just about to begin 
on an olive when she surprised them all by 
exclaiming, Katrina, I just can’t eat a bite 
of your party until I tell you that I am 
sorry that I haven’t been nicer to you.” 

And Katrina replied simply, “ Eosamond, 
I was just thinking that the fault must have 
been mine. You see when I was little, I was 
a spoiled child, and I never smiled except 
when things happened to please me. It 
seems easy enough to be cheerful to-day, 
while you all are here, but to-morrow I may 
forget.” 

Carol laid a loving hand on the girl’s arm 
as she said, ^^We want you to be with us 
often, Katrina, and you will be, because we 
are to have rehearsals for the play every day 
now at the four-thirty recreation.” 

And so was completed the taming of 
Katrina. 


CHAPTER EIGHTEEN 

A THANKSGIVING DINNER PARTY 

Where are you, girls?” Adele called 
one crisp November day as sbe whirled down 
Apple-Blossom Alley and entered the comer 
room where many of her particular friends 
were assembled. They looked up eagerly at 
her entrance, and Betty, noting that her 
hands were behind her, exclaimed in little- 
girl fashion, Oh, Della, what are you hid- 
ing? If it’s candy, I choose the right.” 

It’s better than candy,” Adele declared. 

Do you all give up? ” 

It’s a letter ! ” Peggy Pierce said mis- 
chievously. 

Oh, Peg, that isn’t fair ! You peeked ! ” 
Adele protested, then bringing the missive 
around front, she added, It was really sent 
to Gertrude, but she is busy with the baby 

class, so she asked me to read it to you. In 
140 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


141 


a thousand years you couldn’t guess whom 
it is from or what is in it. Gertrude is de- 
lighted about it, and so am I.” 

Della, you are so provoking! Please 
don’t keep us ^ suspended ’ this way, as Bob 
says,” Eosamond pleaded. ^Nothing excit- 
ing has happened in ever so long, not since 
we tamed Katrina.” 

That was only last Saturday, and this is 
Wednesday,” Adele replied merrily. ^‘I’ll 
give you a tiny hint. It’s an invitation from 
a neighbor.” 

Oho, I know then,” Doris Drexel sang 
out, for the only neighbor with whom we 
are any of us acquainted are those nice Ells- 
worths about whom you and Gertrude were 
telling us.” 

Eight you are. Dory dear! Kow, lend 
me your ear and you shall hear ! ” Adele 
chanted as she sat on the rug tailorwise and 
unfolded the pale-blue sheet of note-paper. 

My dear Miss Gertrude and Miss Adele 'P 

she read — 

‘‘Ever since you were here, I have 


142 


ADELE DOKESTG 


been wondering how I can thank you both 
for the great happiness that you have 
brought into my life. Words are inade- 
quate to express my gladness, and I want 
you to come over and see for yourself how 
joyous is the little girl whose welfare you 
had so much at heart. If Madame Deriby is 
willing, I would like you to dine with us on 
Thanksgiving Day.” 

Oh-h ! ” moaned Betty Burd, I thought 
it was going to be an invitation for all of 
us.” 

So it is ! ” Adele said brightly. 1 
haven’t finished reading.” Then she con- 
tinued : 

Our table will accommodate twenty, 
and, as there will only be six of us, will you 
kindly extend my invitation to your friends 
from Sunnyside? 

If Madame Deriby consents, we should 
be pleased to have you come at two and 
spend the afternoon on Thursday. 

Your most grateful friend, 

Louise Ellsworth.*^^ 

Oh, what glorious fun that will be ! ” 
Peggy Pierce exclaimed. It will give us a 
chance to wear our pretty party-dresses. 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


143 


Mine is blue and brand new and I am wild 
to appear in it.” 

The other girls were equally glad, but 
they had no time to express their pleasure, 
for at that moment a gong was calling them 
to their classes. 

Madame Deriby’s permission was readily 
obtained, and Betty Burd declared that she 
just linew that she wouldn’t sleep a wink, 
but the next morning Adele had to throw a 
pillow to awaken the little maiden. 

“ Betty ! ” she called. “ You can’t guess 
what’s going to happen to-day ! ” 

Their youngest rubbed her eyes, and then, 
leaping out of bed, she pirouetted about glee- 
fully while the older girls begged her to 
watch out for pins. 

Thanksgiving Day had dawned golden 
and bright, and the girls were so excited that 
the morning hours seemed to drag, but at 
last the noon repast was over and they 
flocked to Apple-Blossom Alley to deck 
themselves in their prettiest finery. 


144 : 


ADELE DOKmG 


At one o^clock many of them, with com- 
pleted toilets, were in the corner room ad- 
miring one another and bubbling over with 
joyous anticipation, when there came a 
knock at the door. 

Peg, please open it ! ” Adele was busily 
fastening Betty’s hardest hooks. 

It was Marie, the maid, carrying a long, 
large box. For Miss Gertrude,” she said 
with a smile. 

Oh, Trudie, who do you suppose has been 
sending you flowers?” exclaimed Eosamond, 
the romantic. 

I can’t guess, but we will soon know,’^ 
the other said brightly as she snipped the 
yellow cord. 

Oh ! Oh ! What pretty, curly chrysan- 
themums ! ” Doris Drexel cried. Here’s a 
little envelope, Trudie,” she added, lifting it 
from the blossoms and handing it to the 
older girl. 

“ They are from Arthur Ellsworth for all 
of us ! ” Gertrude said. How nice it was 
of hi m to send them. You know, one always 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 145 

wears a chrysanthemum on Thanksgiving 
Day.” 

“There’s something on the back of the 
card, Trudie, and you didn’t read it.” 

“Suppose you read it then, Bettykins.” 
Gertrude was separating the flowers and 
giving one to each maiden, so Betty read : 

At the hour of three 
A surprise there will be!'* 

“ How exciting ! ” Peggy Pierce exclaimed 
as she whirled about gleefully. 

“ Here comes Patrick up the drive. Get 
on your hats and cloaks, everybody,” 
Adele announced. “ It’s time to go ! ” 

Little Alise was eagerly watching out of 
the wide front window in the library, and, 
when she saw the school bus turn in at the 
drive, she exclaimed joyously : 

“ Oh, Auntie Louise, here comes big sis- 
ter Gertrude. Let’s you and I open the 
door.” 


146 


ADELE DOBING 


Miss Ellsworth, whose new happiness was 
shining in her face, nodded a dismissal to 
the maid who had come to answer the call of 
the knocker, and she and Alise greeted the 
merry girls. 

Then the laughing, chattering child, hold- 
ing fast to Gertrude^s hand, led them up the 
curving stairway to a beautiful upper room, 
where they were to lay aside their wraps. 

Then down they trooped, looking, so 
thought the lady who stood waiting in the 
hall below, like a flock of daintily colored 
butterflies. 

There was a big log cheerily burning on 
the wide hearth, around which comfortable 
chairs had been drawn. Miss Ellsworth 
bade them be seated and for a time they 
talked together, little Alise, with her excited 
happy chatter, preventing the occasion from 
being a formal one. 

Rosamond, remembering what had been 
written on the back of the card among the 
flowers, looked often at the clock, and, when 
it was five minutes to three, she glanced 


AT BOAKDIJSrG-SCHOOL 147 


meaningly at the girls nearest her, and in- 
deed they were all wondering what the sur- 
prise was to be. J ust as the bells in a beau- 
tiful marble clock were chiming the hour, a 
door at one side of the fireplace opened, and 
Arthur Ellsworth entered. He was fol- 
lowed by three other young men who were 
rather peculiar-looking, as each had long, 
dark hair and a heavy, drooping mustache. 
Arthur introduced the newcomers, but their 
names were so difficult to pronounce that 
the girls decided that these friends of their 
host must all be Eussians. 

Miss Ellsworth took this occasion to slip 
away to attend to some matter pertaining to 
the dinner and Alise went with her. 

Arthur then asked the girls if they would 
like to see the gallery which adjoined the li- 
brary. Eosamond found herself walking by 
the side of one of the supposed Eussians, 
who seemed to be strangely silent. Believ- 
ing that he must be very shy, Eose said, 
Mr. Mellowisky, your name is such a long 
one that I am not sure that I have it right.*’ 


148 


ADELE DOKING 


Then, not knowing what else to say, she in- 
quired, “ Is this your first visit to Linden? 

“ Yes, Mademoiselle, it is I was the reply. 
The girl was puzzled. Surely she had heard 
that voice before. She turned and looked 
intently at her companion and saw a pair of 
blue eyes twinkling with mischievous laugh- 
ter. 

“Bob Angel!” she cried. “If you had 
not spoken, I never should have recognized 
you, but you couldn’t disguise a voice that I 
have heard ever since I was knee-high to a 
grasshopper.” 

How Bob laughed as he pulled off the wig 
and mustache. Adele, whirling about, 
clapped her hands merrily. “ Oh, Rosie ! ” 
she exclaimed, “ I recognized Jack the very 
first minute.” 

“And I did Bob,” Bertha confessed, “ but 
I didn’t want to spoil the fun till Rosie 
found him out.” 

“Am I the only one to go unrecognized 
just because I haven’t a sister? ” the third 
young man asked dolefully. 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


149 


Oh, you are Donald Burnley ! ’’ Betty 
Burd exclaimed joyously. Isn't this the 
best surprise that there ever could be? 

The ringing of musically toned Chinese 
gongs was calling them to the dining-room, 
and it was not until they were seated that 
the mystery was explained. 

“ I don't see how you happen to know our 
brothers, Mr. Ellsworth," Adele said, turn- 
ing at once to Arthur. 

I went to school with them in Dorches- 
ter," that lad replied. When you told me 
that you were from Sunnyside, I afterwards, 
in thinking of it, wondered if you were re- 
lated to Jack Doring, and I wrote him to 
inquire. When I found that he and Bob 
both had sisters at Linden Hall, I decided, 
with Aunt Louise's permission, to invite 
them to our Thanksgiving party. Donald, 
being my particular pal, I also included, al- 
though you are none of you especially inter- 
ested in him." 

Peggy and Betty exchanged quick, twin- 
kling glances, and Adele hurriedly led the 


150 


ADELE POKING 


conversation in a safer direction, not know- 
ing what those mischievous maidens might 
say. 

After dinner the young people sang and 
danced until twilight brought Patrick and 
the bus. The girls thanked Miss Ellsworth 
for the delightful afternoon and each re- 
ceived a loving hug from little Alise. 

The boys accompanied the guests back to 
the school, as Adele and Bertha were eager 
to introduce their nice brothers to Madame 
Deriby. 

The matron was pleased with all four of 
the manly boys and invited them to visit the 
school whenever they wished. 

Then, as they were to return on the even- 
ing train to Buffalo, Arthur drove them to 
the station in his car and the girls waved 
until they had disappeared. 

“Well, that certainly was a happy sur- 
prise ! Adele declared when half an hour 
later the girls in their gaily colored kimonos 
were gathered in her room and sat around 
the fire to talk over the party. 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


151 


Do you know,” Betty Burd suddenly ex- 
claimed, I tMnk Arthur Ellsworth is the 
nicest boy, and I really believe that he par- 
ticularly likes our beloved Gertrude.” 

Bettykins, what an imagination you 
have ! ” the young teacher said, and then 
there was a chorus of merry good-nights, for 
the lights-out gong was sounding in the cor- 
ridor. 


CHAPTER NINETEEN 

JUST SKIPPING ALONG 

When Thanksgiving was over, the girls 
from Sunnyside devoted many hours to ear- 
nest study preparing for the mid-year ex- 
aminations that were to be held in Decem- 
ber, but also there were frequent times of 
merry-making. 

During the last week in November the 
snow came, and Bettykins, who had never 
outgrown her childish joy in it, gave a shout 
of delight when she awakened one Saturday 
and found the ground, trees and fences a 
sparkling white. 

An hour later the older girls, standing in 
the library windows, laughed to see their 
youngest member taking an active part in a 
lively game of snowballing with the small 
primary pupils. 


152 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 153 


Then, one day there came another invita- 
tion from their kind neighbors, the Ells- 
worths, and this time every girl at Linden 
Hall was invited. It was an old-fashioned 
sleigh-ride party and Farmer O’Kourke ap- 
peared with his lumber-wagon on runners. 
In the bottom there was a soft, cushiony 
depth of clean straw. 

Arthur Ellsworth followed with another 
roomy sleigh in which, smiling and bowing 
to the waiting girls, sat Miss Ellsworth and 
little Alise. 

Such a merry ride they had up-hUl and 
down, tooting upon horns that Arthur had 
provided, and ending at the mansion-like 
home of Elmhurst. There in the spacious 
library, a huge log snapped and sparkled on 
the wide hearth, and the forty-eight girls, 
slipping off their warm wraps, sat on the 
chairs, floor, everywhere, and were helped by 
Arthur and a maid to steaming chocolate 
and delicious sandwiches. 

Little Alise, hopping among them like a 
fairy, announced that this was her very own 


154 


ADELE DORINQ 


party, and Miss Ellsworth, smiling at the 
little girl whom she so loved, agreed. Yes, 
this is Alise’s birthday, and when I asked 
whom she would like to invite to a party, she 
replied that she wanted all of the nice girls 
at Linden Hall.” 

A week after this jolly affair, rehearsals 
on the play were begun in real earnest, and 
Katrina, who now laughed as often as the 
others, made a very graceful and pretty sum- 
mer girl, but, when at last the evening ar- 
rived, it was Carol’s truly amusing imper- 
sonation of an Irish maid that sent the 
delighted audience into gale after gale of 
laughter. When it was all over, she was 
presented with a huge bouquet of pink car- 
nations tied with wide green ribbons. 

Well, it’s certainly a good thing that I 
was too snobbish to take that part,” Katrina 
exclaimed when every one had surged up 
and congratulated the beaming maid. The 
play wouldn’t have been a success at all 
without you as Korah.” 

Carol gave this little maiden a friendly 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


155 


hug and then darted away to take off the wig 
and paint. 

Midwinter exams were not so dreadful 
after all, and each dweller of Apple-Blossom 
Alley emerged from them with high marks, 
and then satchels were packed and away 
they went to their homes for the holidays. 

The Jolly Pirates ” were at the station 
to meet the train when it pulled into Sunny- 
side, and after much laughter and joyous 
greetings, the several sleighs in waiting bore 
the girls away to their homes and devoted 
families. 

A round of gay times had been planned to 
entertain them, and almost before they real- 
ized that it was possible, they were back in 
Linden Hall and again at their studies. 

Girls ! ” Adele cried one day as she 
skipped into Apple-Blossom Alley, am 
possessed of a sudden and soaring ambition. 
I have decided to compete for the French 
essay medal which is awarded by Madame 
Vandeheuton every year on the first day of 
February.’’ 


166 


ADELE DOEING 


Oh, Della, you’d have to study terribly 
hard to win that. Marie Le Clerc is also 
trying for it, and she is of French descent,” 
Betty Burd declared. 

^i^othing venture, nothing have,’ ” Doris 
Drexel chanted. 

^ Work, work, and then work some more,’ 
was a certain author’s rule for gaining suc- 
cess,” Bertha Angel told them. Your am- 
bition is a laudable one, my dear friend 
Adele, and I will lend you my assistance by 
hearing you recite your verbs.” 

^ It is better to fail than never to try,’ ” 
Carol laughingly added. ‘^Doesn’t some 
one else know a suitable adage? ” 

Failures are stepping-stones to suc- 
cess,’ ” Evelyn Dartmoor chimed in, and the 
cheerful expression in her beautiful face 
would have delighted her grandfather could 
he have seen it, but he knew from her letters 
that she was finding happiness in the com- 
panionship of Carol. 

But when the contest took place, it was 
won, as Betty had prophesied, by Marie Le 


AT BOAKDUSTG-SCHOOL 


157 


Clerc. Adele sincerely congratulated tlie 
winner and greatly admired the medal, 
which had come from France, and secretly 
determined to try again next year if she 
chanced to be at Linden Hall. Her own 
essay won second place and honorable men- 
tion in the school archives. 

The next exciting event was the birthday 
of Gladys Merle Jones, who received a 
goodly check from her adoring father, and 
that maiden, wishing to share it with the 
others, obtained Madame Deriby’s permis- 
sion to have a theater-party in Buffalo, to 
which she invited all the pupils and the fac- 
ulty. 

The request was granted, and the girls 
spent a wonderful afternoon in one of the 
most beautiful of theaters and returned 
bearing with them refreshments for an even- 
ing spread. 

March came in wild and blustering, and 
with it a new pupil arrived at Linden Hall. 
She was of so unusual a type that she 
greatly interested the girls from Sunnyside. 


CHAPTER TWENTY 


THE OLD-FASHIONED PUPIL 

^‘Girls^ did any of you see the new 
pupil?” Carol Lorens asked when the 
dwellers of Apple-Blossom Alley had gath- 
ered in Adele^s room one wild March after- 
noon. 

haven’t seen her,” Doris Drexel re- 
plied, as she curled up on the rug in front of 
the fireplace where a log was snapping mer- 
rily. What does she look like and where 
has she come from? ” 

can answer one of those questions,” 
Peggy Pierce declared, for I just this mo- 
ment saw her in the lower hall standing near 
Madame Deriby’s door as th<High she were 
waiting to be admitted, and truly, she is the 
queerest-looking girl that I have ever seen 
outside of a picture-book. She had on a 
plaid shawl and a beaver cap and, think of 

it, girls, she was wearing thick woolen mit- 
158 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


159 


tens and her skirt was skimpy and much too 
short, for she is almost as tall as Gertrude. 
She must be a new pupil, though, for an old 
battered suit-case was on the floor beside her. 
I suppose that I stared at her rather curi- 
ously and she actually looked frightened. I 
guess that she isn’t used to seeing other girls, 
for surely there is nothing scary about me, is 
there? ” 

“ Of course not, Peggy,’’ Rosamond 
Wright replied indignantly. certainly 
can’t see why such a countrified girl is com- 
ing to Linden Hall Seminary, which is sup- 
posed to be a select school for the daughters 
of the gentry.” 

^^Well, don’t let’s decide about this girl 
until we know her,” Adele had just said, 
when there came a tap on the door followed 
by the appearance of Gertrude Willis, who 
was gladly welcomed by all. Peggy Pierce 
sprang up from the easiest chair and offered 
it to the newcomer. 

Oh, Peg, do keep your comfortable seat,” 
the older girl urged with her winning smile. 


160 


ADELE DOKIJSTG 


“ Truly I feel much more at home on the 
floor,” the other maiden replied as she sat 
down tailor-fashion by her chum Doris. 

I can^t stay but a moment,” Gertrude 
said. Madame Deriby wishes me to come 
to her office at four-thirty. We have a new 
pupil, it seems, who is unused to the ways 
of girls, and Madame Deriby wishes me to 
meet her and take her under my wing, so to 
speak.” 

“ Oh,” moaned Doris Drexel, I know 
what that will mean. You will have to 
spend all your free time coaching her, and 
we won’t see anything of you, and if it’s that 
gawky country girl Peggy has just been tell- 
ing us about, you won’t And much pleasure 
in her company, I’m sure of that.” 

^^Well, girls,” Gertrude said brightly as 
she arose, ^^you remember that one of the 
mottoes that we chose for our Sunnyside 
Club was, ^ The only creed of which we have 
need is the art of being kind.’ ” 

^^You are right!” Adele exclaimed. 
am afraid that we do forget sometimes. 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


161 


Bring the new pupil back with you and 
we will ail help to make her feel at 
home.” 

Then, when Gertrude was gone, the girls 
took out their mending, and tongues and 
needles flew, while they wondered what the 
new girl would be like. 

Half an hour later there came a tap on the 
door and Adele sprang up to open it. Ger- 
trude smilingly entered, leading by the hand 
a young stranger whose dress was too short 
in skirt and sleeve, as though she had long 
since outgrown it. Her face was tanned 
by sun and wind and her dark hair was 
tightly braided, and, as Peggy had said, 
there was an almost startled look in the big 
brown eyes that were unusually beautiful 
and expressive. 

The girls about the fireplace arose to greet 
the newcomer. 

This is Matilda Perkins,” Gertrude said 
kindly. “ She has come to be one of our 
Linden Hall family.” Then, turning to the 
stranger, she added in her friendliest man- 


162 


ADELE DOBING 


ner, Matilda, I am not going to tell you the 
names of these eight maidens jast at first, 
but you will quickly learn them. Suppose 
you and I occupy the window-seat. Oh, 
girls,” she chatted on, I do believe that I 
smell pop-corn. Did you pop some while I 
was away and eat it all up? ” 

‘^We did pop it while you were away,” 
Betty Burd agreed, ^^but we saved every 
kernel of it to share with you and Matilda.” 
Then, opening the closet door, she brought 
forth a big Chinese bowl brimming over with 
fiuffy white kernels. 

Cup your two hands, everybody! ” Betty 
then sang out. ‘^You may each have all 
that they will hold.” Sewing had to be 
abandoned for a time and the girls pur- 
posely chatted together that the newcomer 
might become used to them and their ways. 
Glancing at her a few moments later, Adele 
was glad to see that the startled expression 
had vanished from those wonderful brown 
eyes and that instead they were twinkling 
with amusement. 



“This is Matilda Perkins.” — Page 161 





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AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


163 


The girls, although they said little to Ma- 
tilda directly, included her in a general way 
as they talked about exams only a week 
ahead, and at last, when Marie, the maid, 
rapped and told them that Madame Deriby 
was now ready to receive the new pupil in 
her office, that girl arose and said without a 
trace of her former shyness, Thank you all 
for the pleasant time/’ and then she was 
gone. 

As soon as they were sure that Matilda 
was out of hearing, Peggy Pierce tiptoed 
over to the door and locked it. Then she 
said, ^^i^'ow, Gertrude, do tell us all you 
know about her. She certainly is a new 
type of girl to me.” 

Well,” Gertrude began, even Madame 
Deriby does not as yet know much about 
Matilda. She told me that about two weeks 
ago she received a letter from an old friend 
of hers. Bishop Wesley. His sister went to 
school with Madame Deriby in Prance, and 
they are still devoted friends. iNow and 
then the good Bishop has smit a pupil to 


164 


ADELE DOEIISTG 


Linden Hall, but it has always been a girl 
from a home of wealth and refinement, and 
so when the Bishop wrote that he would like 
to send another little friend of his, Madame 
Deriby replied that she would gladly receive 
Matilda even though the rooms are really all 
taken. Of course she was expecting a pupil 
of the type that the Bishop usually sent, but 
when she saw this countrified girl, Madame 
Deriby, who is kindness personified, said 
that for a moment she was puzzled to know 
what to do, for the only bed unoccupied is in 
the room of that English girl who came at 
Christmas, the one who considers herself too 
good to associate with any of us.” 

The others gasped and Rosamond asked, 
^‘Gertrude, do you mean that this back- 
woodsy girl with that awful name, Matilda 
Perkins, is to room with the snobbish Lady 
Stuckup? ” 

Trudy nodded, and Peggy, whose bump of 
mischief and merriment seemed sometimes 
to be more prominent than her bump of sym- 
pathy, laughingly declared, Girls, it would 


AT BOARDING-SCHOOL 


165 


be as good as a circus to see them when they 
first meet.’’ 

^‘Oh, Peggy, how can you speak that 
way? ” Adele remonstrated. “ I just know 
that it is going to be ever so hard for both of 
them.” 

I’m sure that I don’t care how uncom- 
fortable that English girl is made,” Doris 
Drexel remarked. Carol overheard her 
saying that she thinks it is dreadful because 
there are no class distinctions in America. 
She was telling Miss Merritt that there isn’t 
one pupil attending Linden Hall who would 
be in her class in England.” 

Well, then, why doesn’t she go back to 
her native land?” Peggy inquired. ^‘No 
one is begging her to stay here that I know 
of.” 

Her father is traveling in the West, Ma- 
dame Deriby told me,” Evelyn replied. 

He will soon come after her, and then she 
will leave our plebeian shores forever.” 

Girls ! ” Adele suddenly exclaimed with 
enthusiasm, Matilda Perkins may be coun- 


166 


ADELE DORINQ 


trifled, but there is something about those 
wonderful eyes of hers that makes me feel 
sure that she can hold her own even with 
Peggy^s Lady Stuckup, but, Gertrude, you 
haven’t told us where Matilda came from. 
Have you heard as yet? ” 

“ She hails from the Dakota prairies,” the 
older girl replied. Her mother was a well- 
educated woman who married a ranchman 
and she taught her little girl and her two 
boys as best she could, but, when Matilda 
was twelve, she and her brothers became 
orphans, and since that time she has kept 
house for them and helped on the farm, but, 
Adele, if you want to see Matilda’s eyes 
glow, you must hear her tell about her 
prairie home. I will bring her up here this 
evening, if Madame Deriby will excuse us 
from the recreation hour in the hall.” 

Then she added, springing up, There’s 
the get-ready-for-supper bell. I must hunt 
up Matilda this very minute or she will be 
losing herself in the maze of corridors.” 


CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE 


THE PKAIRIB HOME 

That evening at seven, as Gertrude had 
suggested, the dwellers of Apple-Blossom 
Alley gathered in Adele’s room and Matilda 
Perkins was with them. Her skirt and 
sleeves were still skimpy and short but the 
frightened expression had vanished from her 
beautiful brown eyes which seemed to mir- 
ror her every thought. 

Let’s sit in a circle on the floor,” Adele 
said as she threw fresh wood on the Are. 

It’s heaps cosier, and Bettykins, turn the 
light low, for the blaze is bright enough.” 

Matilda, you sit in the middle,” Doris 
Drexel suggested, ‘‘because you are to be 
the story-teller to-night. That is if you will 
be,” she added, smiling at the new pupil. 
“ You see, we are very eager to hear about 
your Dakota home.” 


167 


168 


ADELE DOBING 


For a moment a soft, dreamy expression 
appeared in the eyes that held such a fasci- 
nation for Adele. I love my prairie home,’’ 
Matilda said almost wistfully, ‘^but I did 
want to leave it, for it was my mother’s wish 
that I should come East and have a good 
education.” 

What is a prairie like? ” Peggy asked as 
Matilda paused. 

Oh, it’s wonderful,” the strange girl re- 
plied, turning toward the speaker eyes that 
fairly glowed. ‘^There’s a wide stretch as 
far as you can see of waving wheat and corn, 
golden in the sunlight, with here and there 
clumps of bright-colored flowers. Black- 
birds, with shining, purple-black coats, 
spring up in a flock when you walk in the 
corn, and, too, there are meadow-larks and 
orioles, but that is only in the summer. In 
the winter there are blizzards that drive 
fiercely across the plain and the snow piles 
so high that often I do not leave the house 
for weeks, except now and then to go to the 
sod buildings where the chickens and cattle 


AT BOARDING-SCHOOL 


169 


are kept. As soon as they can, the boys dig 
tunnel-like paths to each outhouse and then 
they shovel the snow away from the win- 
dows so that I can have daylight for my 
work. It was during those snowed-in weeks 
that I did most of my studying. I had a 
queer library of my own, perhaps you will 
think. It contained very few books, and 
they were the Bible, ^Ivanhoe,’ ‘Nicholas 
Nickleby,^ ‘ Cranford,’ ‘ Little Women,’ ‘ Re- 
becca of Sunnybrook Farm,’ ‘Alice’s Ad- 
ventures in Wonderland,’ and the almanac, 
besides the text-books that were used in the 
country school. I read them over and over 
on my long shut-in days and evenings, and 
then sometimes when the boys were away, I 
would curl up by the fire and listen to the 
wind that shook the house and wonder if 
there would ever be anything different. 
Then, last winter we had a very exciting ad- 
venture in a blizzard, and it brought me 
great good fortune.” 

“ Oh, do tell us about it, please ! ” Adele 
implored. 


170 


ADELE DOEING 


Matilda Perkins had often told stories 
aloud when she was a little girl on the 
prairie. Sometimes her audience had been 
only her dog, Shep, or again a row of corn- 
stalks that she pretended were children, but 
to-night, for the first time in her fifteen 
years, she was called upon to tell a story to 
real girls of about her own age. The eager 
interest plainly seen in the nine pairs of eyes 
turned toward her swept away the last ves- 
tige of her shyness and she told the story as 
simply and as dramatically as she would 
have done had she been telling it to Shep or 
to the cornstalks. 

“ Winter was half spent,” she said, and 
we were beginning to think that perhaps 
there would not be a long, severe blizzard 
that year, when one afternoon Brother Basil 
came in from the sod-house where we kept 
the smoked meat with a heavy ham over his 
shoulders. 

^ Thought I’d better lay in a good sup- 
ply,’ he explained. ^ Looks pretty threat- 
ening over toward the west. Shouldn’t 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


in 


wonder if we liad a blizzard before 
night/ 

^ I think you’re a good weather-prophet/ 
Brother Cedric said as he threw more 
twisted straw on the fire. We don’t use 
wood on the prairie, you know, because there 
isn’t any wood to use. In the late fall, when 
there is little farm work to be done, we 
spend hours twisting straw into hard knots, 
and this we store away for winter use. 

^ Well,’ I said as cheerfully as I could, 
^ if the blizzard is coming, we’ll have to let 
it. We’ll be snug enough in here. I have 
heaps of potatoes back of the stove and 
there’s plenty of twisted straw.’ 

“ Then I asked Cedric to light the lanterns 
that were hanging from the rafters over- 
head. Basil sliced the meat and soon I had 
supper cooking. It was growing colder 
every minute, and before we had finished, we 
heard a mournful sound in the distance, 
which made me shudder, though the room 
was warm. 

In another moment a blast of wind 


172 


ADELE DOKING 


shook the house, and though it was still late 
afternoon, it suddenly grew very dark. We 
heard the cattle bellowing with fright above 
the shrieking of the oncoming storm. For 
hours it raged and though we could not see 
it, we knew that the snow was falling heav- 

iiy- 

“ ‘ Hang a lantern in the window/ I said 
to Basil. ^ If any one happens to be out in 
this storm, he may be able to find his way to 
our house.’ 

“ Cedric shook his head. ^ If there’s any 
one out in this blizzard,’ he said, ^heaven 
help him, for mere man could not.’ 

Now, it was right at this moment that I 
was sure that I heard a voice calling. 
‘What was that?’ I asked, listening in- 
tently. 

“ ‘ Nothing but the wind,’ Basil replied. 
There was indeed something almost human 
about the shrieking of the wind, but I was 
not satisfied. 

“ I put my ear to the crack of the door and 
listened. Then I beckoned to Basil and 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 173 

said, ^ I am sure that I hear some one calling 
for help/ 

My younger brother was convinced that 
he, too, heard, and without saying a word, he 
put on his greatcoat and started for the 
door. 

Cedric tried to hold him back. ^ This is 
foolishness ! ’ he cried. ^ You couldn’t help 
any one who might be out in this blizzard. 
Why risk your own life? ’ 

^ If I were the one out there, I’d want 
somebody to try to save me,’ was all that my 
brave brother said. Then he opened the 
door and went out. Our dog Shep bounded 
after him. The cutting sleet and wind blew 
in our faces and we had to push with all our 
strength to close the door again. 

For a moment Cedric, my older brother, 
paced up and down the room, and then, with 
a face sternly set, he whirled about and ex- 
claimed, ^ Sister, I can’t stand by and let 
Basil risk his life alone. I’m the oldest and 
the one who should have gone. Dad told me 
that I was to take his place when he died, so 


174 : 


ADELE DOEING 


I must go and bring Basil back.’ While be 
was talking, he put on his slicker and beaver 
cap, and again the door opened and closed, 
and I was left alone. I took the other lan- 
tern down from the rafters and hung it in 
the south window. Then I threw more 
twisted straw on the fire and filled the kettle 
that there might be plenty of boiling water 
when the boys came back. Suddenly I was 
terrorized, for the thought had come to me 
that perhaps they would never come back. 

“ Then I happened to glance at our 
mother’s picture standing on the mantel be- 
side the Bible that she had given to me, and 
somehow I felt comforted, and I thought: 

‘ Surely God will not let my brothers 
perish when they have gone on an errand of 
mercy.’ 

It seemed hours to me, but it really had 
not been long, when above the shrieking of 
the storm I heard the barking of Shep. T 
ran to the door and opened it wide, caring 
nothing for the wind and sleet that swept 
into the room. 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOr 175 


I peered out into tlie darkness, hoping, 
fearing. Was the faithful dog coming home 
alone? 'No, for I saw a figure, two of them, 
and they were carrying a third. In another 
moment they were inside, the seemingly 
lifeless form had been placed on the lounge 
and Basil helped me close the door. 

The stranger whom they carried was 
rather elderly, with iron-grey hair. His 
eyes were closed and he looked so white 
that I thought he must be dead, but Cedric 
and Basil were convinced that this was not 
so. 

They rubbed his hands and face with 
snow and I prepared a hot drink to give him 
as soon as he recovered. At last he opened 
his eyes and smiled. Such a kindly face he 
had. 

“ The boys helped him to Father’s arm- 
chair, which always stood near the fire, and 
I wrapped him in a blanket and gave him the 
drink. 

When this was finished, he said, ^ Well, 
little daughter and big sons, you have saved 


176 


ADELE DOKIJSTG 


my life and risked your own, than wMch. a 
man can do nothing nobler/ Then he told 
us that he was a bishop and that he had been 
visiting on the Sioux reservation. He had 
heard that there was discontent among the 
tribe and he knew that he could do much to- 
ward restoring peace. 

^‘^My pilgrimage had been a successful 
one,’ the Bishop ended, ^but not being fa- 
miliar with the signs of your sky, I ventured 
away unwisely.’ 

The next day the storm had passed and 
the prairie was covered with glistening 
snow. 

‘‘ When the good Bishop learned that the 
boys were working hard and saving so that 
they might send me East to school, the kind 
man said, ^ Lads, I want to do something to 
prove my gratitude. Let me do this.’ 

‘‘And that is why I am here at Linden 
Hall,” Matilda ended simply. 

The girls had been listening with breath- 
less attention. “ What an interesting story 
that was ! ” Doris Drexel declared. “ I 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


177 


am as glad as I can be that you have come 
to our school.” 

The new pupil, knowing that the speaker 
was sincere, smiled, and there was a happy 
light in her beautiful brown eyes as she 
said: 

I want to thank you all for welcoming 
me so kindly. I know that I must look 
queer,” she added, glancing down at her old- 
fashioned dress, ^‘but you see we do not 
have dressmakers out on the prairie, and I 
had no mother to help me.” 

Adele sprang to her feet as she exclaimed : 

Stand up, Matilda. I want to see how tall 
you are.” 

Wonderingly the girl arose and stood by 
Adele, who said brightly, Trudie, aren’t 
we very near of a size? ” 

^‘Yes, Della, I think that you are,” her 
friend replied. 

Good ! ” the other exclaimed. Then dart- 
ing to her closet, she brought out her best 
uniform. I won’t need to wear this until 
Sunday, and, let me see, this is Wednesday; 


1Y8 


ADELE DOEING 


Miss Perring, wlio makes our uniforms, can 
finisli yours by that time. I am going to 
loan you tbis, Matilda, and I want you to 
put it on tbis very minute before you meet 
your new roommate, tbe baugbty Geraldine 
Barrington. Sbe won’t be nice to you, how- 
ever you look, but at least sbe cannot say 
that your dress is not up-to-date, for tbis is 
tbe very newest uniform in tbe school.” 

Matilda was almost overcome with her 
gratitude, but before sbe could speak, Adele 
bad dragged her behind a screen and was 
helping her with tbe buttons. 

A few moments later tbe other girls were 
amazed at tbe transformation that bad been 
wrought, for Adele bad also loosened tbe 
pretty hair which bad been braided so 
tightly. Sbe stood off and gazed at tbe new 
pupil with admiration. 

“ There now ! ” sbe said. You look just 
like tbe rest of us, all except your eyes, and 
honestly, Matilda, though I don’t want to 
make you vain. I’ve never met such eyes be- 
fore in my travels, and I’ve been all tbe way 


AT BOABDING-SCHOOL 


1Y9 


to Arizona and back. I’ve one thing more 
to say and that is, that your name does not 
fit you any better than your dress did. 
Should you mind if I call you something 
different? ” 

Matilda laughed. The shyness of a few 
hours ago was entirely gone and she laughed 
as freely and musically as she had done out 
on her wide prairie, when, with her dog 
Shep, she had raced through the cornfields. 

Call me whatever you like ! ” she said. 

Then I am going to name you Starr and 
spell it with a double-r.” 

When the retiring bell rang, Gertrude 
sprang up, saying, Come, Starr, I will now 
introduce you to your roommate.” 

I surely do pity you if you are to room 
with that Lady Stuckup,” Doris Drexel de- 
clared. 

‘^Oh,I don’t mind,” Starr replied brightly, 

since you girls are kind to me, I shall not 
care how unkind she may be.” 

A truly unpleasant experience awaited 
this girl from the Dakota prairie. 


CHAPTER TWEi^^TY-TWO 

LADY STUCKUP 

When Gertrude Willis rapped on a closed 
door in the east wing, there was no response 
and so she turned the knob and entered the 
room which was unoccupied. Trudie then 
told the new pupil which was to be her side 
and bade her good-night. 

When she was alone, Matilda stood look- 
ing out of the window into the darkness. 
For a moment a rush of loneliness swept 
over her heart. The stars seemed so faint 
and far away, while over the prairie they 
had seemed so near and brilliant. Then she 
smiled as she thought bravely, I mustn’t 
be homesick, for wonderful things are going 
to happen to me, and every one has been so 
kind.” 

Humming a little tune, the new pupil un- 
180 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


181 


packed her old-fashioned and much-battered 
suit-case, and a few moments thereafter she 
climbed into her bed. 

Then the door opened and a tall, flaxen- 
haired girl entered. She might have been 
pretty had it not been for a haughty, dis- 
agreeable expression. She gave a disdain- 
ful glance toward the occupied bed and re- 
tired behind her sheltering screen. 

Only that evening had she heard who was 
to be her roommate and she had been wait- 
ing until this late hour to see Madame 
Deriby, who had at last sent word that she 
could not see Geraldine until the morning. 
Long after Matilda, truly weary from her 
long journey, was peacefully sleeping, the 
haughty English girl lay awake planning 
what she would say to the matron. She, a 
Barrington, to be asked to share her room 
with a farmer’s daughter. Such a slight was 
unbearable! If Madame Deriby did not 
know of her father’s position in England, 
then his daughter would inform her at the 
very first opportunity. 


182 


ADELE DOKmG 


Hours before the rising bell rang in tbe 
Linden Hall Seminary Matilda was awake, 
for out on ber wide prairie every one was 
astir at early dawn. She did not want to 
disturb her roommate, the haughty Geral- 
dine Barrington, and so she lay quietly gaz- 
ing out of her window at the tree-tops and 
the shining sky, but she saw neither, except 
vaguely, for in fancy she was out on the 
prairie watching the sun rise, hearing the 
morning call of the meadow-larks and 
orioles and bobolinks. Even the harsh- 
voiced cowbirds and the thieving crows were 
there in her memoried picture, for they all 
meant home to her. She could see her 
brother Basil, the handsomest lad in all the 
world, she thought, as he swung into his 
saddle and herded the cattle down by the 
river. 

Her older brother, Cedric, she knew would 
be swinging along after the plow with Shep 
bounding in front of the horses. Then, in 
imagination, she looked into the kitchen. 
She was sure that the boys found it hard to 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


183 


keep house without her. For a moment a 
rush of regret brought tears to her eyes. 

Oh, how selfish I was to leave those dear 
brothers of mine with no one to get supper 
for them when they come home so tired at 
night.” 

The girl in the other bed had awakened 
and she heard a half-stifled sob from Ma- 
tilda’s corner. She curled her lips con- 
temptuously. Silly, sniffly thing,” she said 
to herself. Then a bell rang, and they both 
arose and dressed behind their sheltering 
screens. Geraldine Barrington finished her 
toilet hastily and without one glance at the 
new pupil she swept out of the room. 

Matilda smiled to herself. This girl had 
not the power to hurt her. Instead she 
thought happily of the kind friends whom 
she had met the day before, and when she 
went out into the corridor, one of these hur- 
ried forward to meet her. Good-morning, 
Starr,” Gertrude called. I hope that you 
slept well.” 

“ I did indeed, thank you,” Matilda said 


184 


ADELE DOBING 


brightly. ‘^Gertrude, you know the old 
saying, ^ The dream you dream in a strange 
bed will come to pass some day.’ ” 

What was it? ” Kosamond Wright asked 
as they joined the others at the entrance to 
Apple-Blossom Alley. 

It would be utterly impossible to have 
this dream come true,” Starr replied 
merrily, for I dreamed that Geraldine Bar- 
rington begged me to be her friend and 
roommate, while the truth of the matter is, 
she has not even given me a kindly glance, 
so you see dreams go by contraries.” 

While they were talking, the girls trooped 
down the broad front stairs. The matron 
in the lower hall smiled a greeting to them. 
The girls curtsied and chorused, ^^Good- 
morning, Madame Deriby.” 

That good woman was pleased to see the 
Bishop’s protegee so differently clad. She 
felt sure that one of the Sumiyside girls had 
loaned her a uniform. 

‘‘1 am glad that they are kind to poor 
Matilda,” she thought as she turned into her 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


185 


office, for I am almost certain that her un- 
fortunate roommate will not be.” 

As soon as the door was closed, there came 
a rap upon it and when Madame Deriby 
reopened it, she found an angry and indig- 
nant Geraldine Barrington standing out- 
side. 

Come in,” she said kindly, feeling almost 
sure that she knew what the visitor had to 
say, nor was she wrong. 

‘^Madame Deriby,” the girl began, 
wish to notify my father that I want to be 
removed from this school at once. In Eng- 
land I was never called upon to associate 
with any one in a class beneath me, and I 
certainly shall not begin doing so now. 
What would my friends at Barrington 
Manor think of me, if they knew that I was 
rooming with a girl named Matilda Jane 
Perkins, who wears a plaid shawl for a coat, 
a beaver cap for a hat, and thick woolly 
mittens instead of gloves. I had told you, 
Madame Deriby, that I did not care to make 
the acquaintance of any one here. My 


186 


ADELE BOEING" 


father pays my tuition, not to have me 
humiliated, hut in order that I may con- 
tinue my education while he is obliged to be 
in the States.” 

The matron listened gravely to this in- 
dignant torrent of words and when the girl 
paused, she said not unkindly, Be seated, 
Geraldine. I am sorry that you have been 
so distressed, and if there were a single un- 
occupied room in the school, I would gladly 
give it to you. It would be impossible for 
me to communicate with your father for the 
next two weeks, as he has informed me, and 
you, too, I believe, that he will be traveling 
on the desert and will not expect mail for a 
fortnight.” 

Geraldine tossed her head. “ Well, if I 
am obliged to stay in this school for that 
long, I at least will not sleep in the same 
room with a farmer’s daughter.” 

There was a sad expression in Madame 
Beriby’s grey eyes. For a moihent she was 
thoughtful and then she said : “ There is a 
small room in the cupola which is unoccu- 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 187 

pied. I will liave it prepared and you may 
sleep there to-night if you prefer.” 

I most certainly do prefer,” the girl re- 
plied as she rose and left the office. 

An hour later, when she returned to her 
room, planning to pack her trunk prepara- 
tory to having it moved to the cupola, she 
found Matilda seated in an easy-chair on 
her own side of the sunny bay-window. She 
held a pad and pencil and was writing a 
letter to her far-away brothers. The prairie 
girl heard the door open and some one enter, 
but, acting upon the advice of her coun- 
selors, she did not glance up, but continued 
her writing as though she were alone. 
Geraldine deliberately turned her back to- 
ward her roommate. Matilda glanced at 
the flaxen head and there was a sad expres- 
sion in her wonderful eyes. 

Poor girl ! ” she thought. How much 
happier she would be if she could forget that 
she is a Barrington and realize that really 
we are all of us just folks.” 

At that moment there came a rap on the 


188 


ADELE BOEESTG 


door and Peggy Piei ce called, Starr, are 
you tliere ? We iwant you to come to Apple- 
Blossom Alley.” 

Wlien Matilda was gone, Geraldine hap- 
pened to glance at the writing-desk on the 
other side of the room. There she saw a 
small red book which was lying open as 
though it had recently been written in. The 
English girl would have scorned any one 
else who would have done a thing so dis- 
honorable, but so great was her curiosity to 
know what this plebeian girl could have 
written in her diary that she deliberately 
locked the door and picking up the small 
book, she read: March the 6th. Linden 
Hall is such a wonderful place and many of 
the girls have been so kind, especially Adele 
Doring and Gertrude Willis. My room- 
mate, Geraldine Barrington, is the most 
beautiful girl in the school, or at least she 
would be if she had a pleasanter expression. 
She is very haughty and proud and the girls 
say that is probably because she is English, 
and yet my own dear mother was born in 


AT BOARDING-SCHOOL 189 

England and lived there until she was seven- 
teen and she was very kind to every one; 
hut perhaps Mother did not belong to the 
haughty class. I am certainly glad that she 
did not, for they are not very pleasant to 
live with.’’ 

Geraldine tossed her head as she thought: 
“Well, I certainly agree that her mother 
did not belong to my class in England. I 
cannot imagine any one who would marry a 
Perkins associating with the Barringtons. 
She belonged to tradespeople or the serving 
class, no doubt. Perkins is the name of my 
chum’s butler.” 

A door down the corridor opened and 
voices were heard approaching. 

Geraldine quickly closed the book and 
slipped it back into its place on the desk. 

She had just unlocked the door and seated 
herself when a flock of girls trooped into the 
room. They pretended not to see her though 
of course they did. She had whirled her 
chair about and her back was toward them. 

“Oh, Starr, what a pretty room you 


190 * 


ADELE DOBING 


have/^ Peggy Pierce exclaimed as she sat 
on the window-seat and heaped the sofa 
pillows hack of her. Geraldine flushed. 
Those were her very own pillows and she 
did not care to have them crushed, but she 
wisely decided to say nothing. 

‘‘ Sit down, every one,” Peggy called, 

and let’s tell Starr all about the rules of 
the school. It never would do to have her 
breaking them.” 

The girls sat on the floor, tailor-fashion, 
and from their twinkling eyes it could be 
plainly seen that a spirit of mischief pos- 
sessed them. 

“ What would happen to me if I did break 
a rule? ” Starr inquired. 

Peggy lowered her voice to a stage whisper 
as she said, Something dreadful, I can as- 
sure you. You would be sent to the cupola 
room, and there isn’t any one of us brave 
enough to stay there all night.” 

Geraldine was of course listening, al- 
though she pretended to be reading. She 
knew that they were talking about the very 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 191 


room which. Madame Deriby had said that 
she might occupy that night. 

Why wouldn’t one want to sleep there?” 
asked the innocent Starr. 

Because,” Peggy replied in a hollow 
whisper, ‘‘that room is haunted. Some 
folks say they don’t believe in ghosts, but 
they’d better sleep in the cupola for a few 
nights and see what they’ll see, and hear 
what they’ll hear. Nina Best had it last 
and she told Madame Deriby she just 
wouldn’t sleep there another night. I don’t 
know who is to have it next.” 

Peggy gave a mischievous sidelong glance 
at the back of Geraldine’s head, but that girl 
pretended to be deeply interested in her 
book. 

“ Is there a story about the ghost? ” Starr 
asked. “ Tell it to us.” 

Luckily Peggy had an active imagination. 

“ Yes,” she said in a hollow voice. “ It 
was midnight when Nina was awakened by 
the creaking of her door. She knew that 
she had locked it before retiring. Fright- 


192 


ADELE DOEING 


ened, she sat up and flashed on the light. 
There was no one in the room and the door 
was closed and locked. Thinking that it 
might have been her imagination, she tried 
to sleep and was just dozing, when she heard 
stealthy, creeping steps coming across the 
floor. Again she flashed on the light and 
again there was no one there. 

^^Nina then decided to leave the light 
burning for company. After a time, as 
nothing had happened, she fell asleep, when 
suddenly she was awakened by a low moan- 
ing sound, the light went out and in the 
darkness she could see a white figure drift- 
ing toward her bed. She tried to move, but 
could not, and then an icy cold hand was 
laid on her forehead. 

^^Mna says that she screamed so loud 
that in another moment Miss Sharpleigh 
and Miss Merritt were at the door rapping 
to be let in. Nina was a nervous wreck the 
next day and left school to recuperate. I 
surely don’t envy the girl who is to have the 
cupola room next. For myself I would pre- 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 193 


fer a flesh, and blood roommate whoever she 
might be/’ Peggy concluded with a mis- 
chievous glance at Matilda. 

Geraldine sprang up and taking her hat 
and coat she hurriedly left the room. 

^‘Well, I guess I scared her ladyship 
enough/’ Peggy declared. There wasn’t a 
word of truth in what I was saying. I just 
made it up as I went along.” 

^^Poor Geraldine!” Matilda laughed, 
^‘i^ow she will have to choose between a 
farmer’s daughter and a ghost.” 

Just then a bell rang and Peggy leaped 
to her feet, declaring that it was her practice 
hour, and the other girls went with her. 

When Matilda was alone, she stood for a 
moment looking out of the window. She 
saw a little wood in a shimmer of spring 
green down the hillside, and, since she had 
always lived on a prairie, she longed to 
know what a wood looked like. 

If only I had a hat and coat like other 
people,” she thought, I would take a walk 
by myself.” Then she added wisely, “ The 


194 


ADELE DORING 


girls, wliose friendship is worth having, do 
not care what I wear, and moreover, every 
one is busy at this hour, and no one will 
notice me.” So thinking, she took her plaid 
shawl from the closet and twined it about 
her head and shoulders. Then she started 
out. She met no one in the corridors or 
garden and soon she reached the edge of the 
little wood. She stood for a moment look- 
ing about her truly awed. She had been 
brought up on a treeless prairie and this was 
the first time in her fifteen years that she 
had entered a wood. There was a shimmer 
of pale green on the twigs that would soon 
be in full leaf. The ground was moist and 
ferns were beginning to uncurl. A warm 
breeze wafted to Matilda an exquisite fra- 
grance. Her wonderful eyes brightened. 
Surely there must be some wild flower in 
blossom, she thought, and eagerly she went 
deeper into the wood to find it. The hill 
became steeper and in places it was rocky. 
Again that exquisite fragrance and she 
paused to breathe deep of it. Then it was 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


196 


that she spied something pink among the 
dry, brown leaves. Stooping, she found that 
loveliest of spring flowers, a clump of trail- 
ing arbutus. 

Oh, you sweet, sweet thing,’’ she whis- 
pered as she held the blossoms close. ^^How 
I wish that I might find a spi’ay for each of 
the girls who have been so kind to me.” She 
continued her search, looking under the 
leaves. She was nearing a heap of rocks, 
when from the other side came a low moan- 
ing sound. Matilda stood very still and 
listened. Fear was unknown to this prairie 
girl, but for one fleeting second she recalled 
the story of Peggy’s ghost. Then, when the 
sound was repeated, she hurried in that 
direction. Beyond a clump of bushes was 
the figure of a girl lying on the ground. 
Matilda saw that it was Geraldine Barring- 
ton. Forgetting everything but her desire 
to help, she hurried to the side of her room- 
mate. 

^<Oh, Miss Barrington,” she exclaimed, 
‘^you have hurt your ankle, haven’t you? 


196 


ADELE BOEING 


Let me get you into a more comfortable posi- 
tion and then I will run back to the school 
for assistance.’’ 

“ I don’t want to go back to the school,” 
Geraldine declared angrily. have left 
that place forever. I was just on my way to 
the Linden Station when I slipped and 
wrenched my ankle. I was going to Buffalo 
on the next train and have Madame Beriby 
send my things.” 

^‘And all because you do not want to be 
my roommate,” Matilda said sorrowfully. 
Then she added brightly, I’ll tell you what, 
Miss Barrington, let me help you back to the 
school and then I will ask Madame Beriby 
to permit me to move into the cupola and 
you shall have your room again all by your- 
self.” 

Geraldine looked up in surprise. She en- 
deavored to rise but fell back with a groan. 
^^Bo lie still,” Matilda urged. “I’ll run 
down to the road. I see a farmer driving 
this way and I am sure that he will help us.” 

It proved to be kind Mr. O’Rourke on his 



Beyond was the figure of a young girl lying on the ground 

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AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


197 


way to the seminary with the weekly supply 
of eggs and butter, and with his help Geral- 
dine was carried to the wagon and made 
comfortable on the straw. Half an hour 
later, just as the girls were flocking out of 
the study hall, they were amazed to see no 
less a personage than Geraldine Barrington 
being helped into the school by a farmer and 
her hated roommate, Matilda Perkins, but 
the girls of Linden Hall were to hear of 
something much more surprising before the 
fortnight Was over. 


CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE 


A DEEAM THAT CAME TRUE 

The resident nurse took charge of the case 
and Geraldine^s ankle, which had been badly 
sprained, was carefully bandaged. When 
the pain had subsided, the girl fell into a 
light slumber and the nurse slipped away. 
Half an hour later Matilda stole into the 
room. She placed her exquisite spray of 
arbutus in a vase near Geraldine’s bed, then 
she tiptoed over to her own side, and began 
to pack her belongings. Though she was 
very quiet, Geraldine, who was only drows- 
ing, opened her eyes and the first thing that 
she saw was the arbutus. She well knew 
who had placed it there. The screen was in 
front of her bed so that she could not see 
Matilda, but she heard her tiptoeing about. 
She wondered what she could be doing. She 

was soon to learn, for in another moment she 
198 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


199 


saw tlie prairie girl going toward the door 
carrying all of her belongings. For the first 
time in her pampered life, Geraldine realized 
how selfish she had been. 

Miss Perkins,” she heard herself saying. 

Please don’t move to-day.” 

In surprise Matilda placed her suit-case 
on the floor and went to the bedside. But 
I thought that you wanted to leave the 
school because I was your roommate. I am 
only a farmer’s daughter and of course you 
would not care to associate with me.” 

Yes, I do,” Geraldine declared, and 
there was a strange ring of sincerity in her 
voice. I want to associate with you more 
than with any one else in the school.” 

Then I will stay a few days longer,’^ 
Matilda said quietly, ^‘but when you are 
well perhaps you will feel as you did before. 
Just tell me so, won’t you, and I will gladly 
move.” 

Turning back, she unpacked her suit-case 
and rehung the plaid shawl and beaver cap 
in the closet. Geraldine was amazed that 


200 


ADELE DOEmG 


any one could be so unselfish, but a sudden 
twinge in her ankle kept her from replying. 

That afternoon another girl in the school 
became ill and the nurse was obliged to 
spend nearly all of the time in the infirmary, 
and so Matilda asked permission to take 
care of Geraldine. I love to play nurse,” 
she said. Mother was ill a long time and 
so I know just how, and since I am not to 
begin my classes until the spring examina- 
tions are over, I shall be glad to have some- 
thing to do.” 

Madame Deriby granted the permission 
and for several days Geraldine’s pillow was 
smoothed and her tray brought up by her 
kindly roommate. 

One day Geraldine was able to sit up for 
a while and Matilda wrapped her in the 
warm plaid shawl and then sat in the sunny 
window to read to her. The story was in- 
teresting, but Geraldine was not listening. 
She was thinking of something that she had 
wanted to say to Matilda for the past week, 
but her pride had prevented. At last she 


AT BOAEDESTG-SCHOOL 201 


exclaimed, Matilda, will you stop a mo- 
ment if you have reached the end of a chap- 
ter? There is something that I want to 
say.” 

The other girl glanced up inquiringly. 

“ I want to ask your forgiveness for sev- 
eral things,” the English girl began. First 
of all, please don^t move to the cujKjla, for I 
want you to be my roommate as long as I 
am in this school. I have always been 
lonely,” she added, “ and how I have wished 
that I had a sister or even a girl cousin, but 
I had none. Mother died when I was a 
baby and Dad tried to be mother and sister 
to me, but he had to be away so much, and 
I have lived nearly all of my life in French 
and English boarding-schools. We were 
poorer at first because Dad was only a 
younger brother, but last year his older 
brother died and left us the Barrington 
estate. I was so delighted because I thought 
that we would settle down in that beautiful 
place and have a home at last, but Father 
could not be happy, he said, until he had 


202 


ADELE DOKING 


found a sister of Ms who long ago came to 
America. If she was still living, he wanted 
to share his fortune with her. She had al- 
ways been so loving to him, he told Me, but 
she married some one beneath her and the 
older brother had disowned her. They knew 
that she came to the States with her hus- 
band, but she was never heard from again. 

^‘We lived in our castle-like home for a 
month, then Dad packed up and said that he 
must come to America and try to find his 
lost sister. So we came. Dad put me in 
this boarding-school while he travels about 
looking for my aunt. He is away out in the 
Middle West now. In his last letter he 
wrote that this country is wonderful ; he had 
never dreamed it was so big. He hasn^t 
found a trace of his lost sister, however, and 
so he will be back in a fortnight, then, how 
happy I shall be, for we shall go back to 
that wonderful Barrington Manor, and yet, 
Starr, I feel sure that I am going to be 
lonely. There will just be Daddy and me 
in that great rambling old castle, that is no 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


203 


one except the servants. I wish that I could 
take you back with me to be my adopted 
sister.” 

Matilda smiled into the beautiful face of 
her roommate as she replied, I’m glad that 
you like me, Geraldine, but I love my prairie 
home as much as you do your English home 
and I couldn’t let the ocean separate me 
from my splendid brothers.” 

“ Well, then go on with tte story,” Geral- 
dine said, and Matilda continued reading, 
feeling happier than she had since she came 
to Linden Hall Seminary. 

Two weeks passed and Geraldine Barring- 
ton was able to walk about, but she was 
never content unless Matilda, whom she 
now called Starr, was her constant compan- 
ion. 

Father is coming to-day,” Geraldine an- 
nounced happily one morning as she entered 
their room holding an open letter. He is 
so disappointed! He writes that he has 
visited every part of the West, but he has 
been unable to find his sister. He will be 


204 


ADELE DOBING 


here this morning and I’m to ride down in 
the bus to meet him. I asked Madame 
Deriby if you might accompany me but she 
said that since you are just beginning your 
classes, she did not like to have you miss 
even one recitation, but I wart you to get 
acquainted with him when we come back to 
the school.” 

I would like to meet your father,” Ma- 
tilda replied. “ I am ever so glad for your 
sake that he is coming.” Then taking her 
books, she went to her classes. 

At noon Geraldine danced into their room 
as she exclaimed, Dad is here, Starr, and — 
oh, we’ve had so much to talk about. He 
and I are to have lunch together in the 
private dining-room and Madame Deriby 
said that right after that you may come and 
meet him.” 

When the hour arrived, Matilda followed 
Geraldine into the large parlor and a gentle- 
man arose to greet them. 

“ Dad, this is Starr, my roommate ! ” Ger*^ 
aldine exclaimed happily, and Matilda found 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


205 


it hard to realize that this was the haughty 
girl who had at first refused to speak to 
her. 

^^My daughter tells me that you live in 
the wonderful West,” Mr. Barrington said 
kindly when the three were seated. ‘^Da- 
kota is the one State, however, that I did not 
visit on my quest. All that I could see was 
a vast prairie and I was sure that my sister, 
brought up with every luxury, would not be 
content to live there.” 

Matilda flashed a smile at the speaker. 

Oh, Mr. Barrington,” she exclaimed, I 
love the prairie ! I wouldn^t exchange it for 
all the terraces and gardens of the world.” 
Then, fearing that she had been rude, she 
added, ^^My mother was born in England 
and she has often told me about the wonder- 
ful lawns and gardens about the home of her 
childhood. She lived at a place called Ivon- 
dale.” 

Ivondale ! ” the man repeated in amaze- 
ment. ‘^What was your mother’s name, 
Matilda, before she was married? ” 


206 


ADELE BOmNG 


'' It was Margaret Inslay. I was named 
after Father’s mother.” 

The gentleman caught both of her hands 
in his and his face glowed with excitement. 

Then your mother must have been my sis- 
ter ! ” he declared. Our name was Inslay 
at that time, but after we inherited our 
grandfather’s estate, we used the name Ins- 
lay-Barrington.” 

The news spread through the school like 
wild-fire and Adele Boring drew Matilda 
into Apple-Blossom Alley as she exclaimed, 

So you were a Cinderella all the time, 
you dear beautiful girl. I’m glad that I 
loved you in the very beginning, however, or 
you might think that I was hugging you now 
just because your ancestor’s name was Ins- 
lay-Barrington, with a hyphen in it.” 

Starr laughed happily. ^^Adele,” she 
whispered, “ I would rather be the daughter 
of my own dear farmer daddy than a prin- 
cess. Geraldine’s father has gone to Da- 
kota. He is so eager to see my wonderful 
brothers. I am hoping that you will meet 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


207 


tliem some day, Della.” Then she exclaimed 
joyously, Do you suppose that sometime 
your mother would permit you to visit me? ” 
sure of it,” Adele replied happily, 
and I want you to visit me this summer be- 
fore you return to the West.” 

The girls little dreamed of the delightful 
something that was to happen for all of them 
during the long vacation which was rapidly 
approaching. 


CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUE 


THE C. B. P. 

« Oh^ girls, you never could guess wliat^s 
going to happen? ” Adele Doring called as 
she whirled into the corner room where she 
found all of her friends from Sunnyside 
busy with their week’s mending. 

^‘It must be something powerful excit- 
ing,” Rosamond Wright drawled as she 
dropped an ivory ball into the toe of her 
stocking, where a hole awaited darning. 

I know what I wish was going to hap- 
pen,” little Betty Burd chimed in. I wish 
Madame Deriby would say that we need not 
have final exams. It would be heaps pleas- 
anter to be promoted without them.” 

Girls, do let Adele tell us about it,” 
Carol Lorens called. I know by her shin- 
ing eyes that it is something ever so nice.” 

208 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


209 


Adele sank down in tke cushiony window- 
seat and looked around with a provokingly 
merry smile. She liked nothing better than 
to mystify her friends. “ You may have 
three guesses,” she said. 

Tell us what letter it begins with,” 
Peggy Pierce suggested as she fitted a patch 
carefully on her laboratory apron where a 
hole had been burned during an experiment. 

Oh, um — ^let me see, it might begin with 
several letters,” Adele said. ‘^Well, I’ll 
choose three, since there are three words in 
its name, and they are C. E. P.” 

“ C stands for circus,” chanted the irre- 
pressible Betty Burd. 

“Well, this C doesn’t,” Adele told her. 
“ Starr looks as though she were about to 
see the light.” 

“ Closing exercises are only two weeks 
away,” that maiden replied as she sat think- 
ing hard with threaded needle suspended in 
air. “Oh, I do believe that I have it! 
Might it not be a closing-exercise party? ” 

“ Starr, you were well named! You are 


210 


ADELE DORING 


brighter than the shiniest constellation in 
the heavens/’ Adele cried. “ That’s it ! 
Madame Deriby just told me that she had 
decided that we might have a party the night 
before we depart for our homes. We may 
invite our brothers and that will provide us 
with escorts to check our baggage and all 
that sort of thing on the railroad journey.” 

Oh, how nice ! ” Carol Lorens exclaimed. 

have so wanted you girls to meet my 
splendid brother Peter, and since Evelyn 
hasn’t a brother. I’ll share him with her.” 

^^Of course they don’t have to be brothers,” 
Adele declared. ‘^We may invite any boy 
friend, Madame Deriby said, that our 
mothers would permit us at home to have 
for escorts.” 

No need to ask whom Adele will invite,” 
Peggy Pierce sang out to tease, but Adele 
was not like Rosamond. She did not resent 
Peggy’s nonsense. 

Of course you know,” she replied 
frankly, which spoiled the fun of teasing her. 

His initials are D. B.” 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


211 


Would you leave your poor brother Jack 
out of the party? ’’ Betty Burd inquired. 

“ ^^"0 indeed ! ’’ Della replied as she 
glanced at the lassie next to her. I was 
planning to ask Doris to invite Jack if she 
didn’t mind, since she hasn’t a brother of 
her own.” 

I wonder who’ll invite Bob ! ” Peggy be- 
gan, but before she could say more, Bertha 
interrupted, Why, I shall, of course, since 
he is my brother.” So Peggy didn’t have a 
chance to tease Eose that time. 

One day soon after the party announce- 
ment, Adele stole into the library where sev- 
eral of her friends were doing reference 
work. She kept looking around as though 
she feared that she might be followed and 
her movements were so stealthy that the 
girls, who were supposed to be studying, 
were much mystified. 

^‘Adele, you act like the villain in a mov- 
ing-picture play creeping along that way,” 
Betty Burd said. It gives me the shudders. 
What are you afraid of? ” 


212 


ADELE DOEHSTG 


“ I’ve a secret,” Adele said, and I don’t 
want Gertrude to hear it. She doesn’t know 
that I know. In fact, she doesn’t know that 

anybody knows, but I do know, and ” 

My dear Adele,” Carol Lorens ex- 
claimed, rising and pretending to feel her 
friend’s pulse and forehead, ‘‘you don’t 
think that you are ill or crazy or any little 
thing like that, do you? ” 

Adele laughed merrily. “ No, I honestly 
don’t believe that I am any crazier than 
usual, but truly, I have a secret to tell you, 
and I wanted to be sure that Gertrude 
wasn’t in the room, that’s why I stole in so 
still like. I thought that you were so en- 
grossed in your studies, as Miss Sharpleigk 
says, that you would neither hear nor see.” 

“Gertrude is not with us,” Evelyn de- 
clared, and then she added gaily, “If you 
really want to know where she is at this very 
moment, you have but to glance out of 
yonder window.” 

Adele looked and saw a tall lassie stand- 
ing deep in the daisies with her flock of very 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 213 


little girls trooping about her, their arms 
filled with the gold and white blossoms, but 
she also saw more than that. 

Look ! Look, girls ! ” she cried excitedly. 

What if it should be a budding romance? ’’ 

‘‘WLere? Where?’’ Eosamond called as 
she rushed to the window, followed by the 
others, who peered over toward the daisy 
meadow which bordered the school grounds 
on the highway. 

They saw that a roadster had suddenly 
stopped, a good-looking lad had leaped out, 
and, with cap in hand, he was talking pleas- 
antly to the youngest teacher. The little 
ones gathered close to her and listened with 
wide eyes. Then, with a merry laugh, the 
lad tossed the smallest high in the air, shook 
hands with Gertrude and was gone. 

^^Adele, I do believe that you are right,” 
Doris Drexel declared. I think that 
maybe it is the tiniest pink bud of a 
romance.” 

‘^Oh, girls,” Rosamond Wright said, as 
they returned to the reference tableand their 


214 


ADELE DOEING 


books, ^‘wouldn’t tbis be a fine title for a 
lore story, ‘ The poor minister’s daughter 
weds a millionaire ’? ” 

‘ Rosie the Romancer ’ would be an 
equally good one,” Starr teased, but, 
Adele, all of this time your secret has re- 
mained unrevealed. Of course we are 
brilliant enough to realize that it must be 
about Gertrude. Now, what about her? ” 

“ Something ever so nice ! ” Adele replied. 

The day of our C. E. P. is also Gertrude’s 
sixteenth birthday. I just happened to re- 
member it; now can’t we have a surprise 
party for her inside of the big party for all 
of us, just like those Chinese boxes where 
there is one inside of the other.” 

“ Della, what fun that will be ! ” squealed 
Betty. 

“ Let’s do it ! ” Peggy declared. 

Well then, thumbs up, and all promise 
absolute secrecy,” Adele said. 

We promise,” came in merry chorus. 

“ Sh-h ! Here comes Gertrude ! ” some 
one whispered, and a moment later, when 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


215 


tliat young lady entered tlie library, her 
friends, including Adele, seemed to be en- 
grossed in their studies, and so she went 
away, little dreaming of the fun that they 
were planning. 


CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE 


A STRING OF PEARLS 

The next afternoon at the three-thirty 
recreation, the girls met in Adele^s room to 
look over their party dresses and see if snaps 
and buttons needed sewing on or if ribbons 
and ruffles needed pressing. A pretty array 
of fluffy gowns, pink, blue and white, were 
spread out on their laps, and tongues flew as 
fast as the needles. 

Oh, won’t we have the very best time? ” 
Peggy Pierce was saying. It will be the 
first real dancing-party I have ever at- 
tended. Of course we used to skip about to 
the tunes of the victrola at our home parties, 
but think of it, girls, at this dance there is 
to be a stringed orchestra from Buffalo and a 
caterer to serve the refreshments.’’ 

I wonder where Bertha and Betty are ! ” 
216 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 217 


Adele had just said when the former maiden 
appeared with a letter in her hand. 

Girls!” Burdie exclaimed tragically. 
^‘The young man whom I invited can’t 
come.” 

^^Oh-hl Isn’t that too bad?” Doris 
Drexel declared. 

And Betty Burd chimed in with “ It won’t 
be a nice party at all if Bob Angel isn’t 
here.” 

Then Peggy Pierce added to tease, ^^And 
some one was going to look so sweet in her 
fluffy pink dress. If Bob isn’t here, our 
flower will wilt, I fear.” 

Meaning, I suppose, a maiden named 
Rose,” Doris Drexel chanted. 

Who said Bob wasn’t coming? ” Bertha 
flashed. She always defended Rosamond. 
^^I’m sure I didn’t! I changed my mind 
about asking my brother and I invited Dick 
Jensen instead. Bob wrote that he would 
be at the party if he had to walk here on 
jagged stones.” 

<‘A very devoted brother, I must say,” 


218 


ADELE DOEINO 


Peggy said meaningly, with a sly side-glance 
at Rosamond, who was trying not to mind 
the teasing which Peggy seemed so to de- 
light in. 

^^Adele,” Starr said to change the subject 
and also because she had been wondering 
about it, wouldn’t it be nice if we all con- 
tributed toward a fund with which to buy 
Gertrude a birthday present? ” 

Oh, yes,” Carol exclaimed, and let it be 
something that Trudie would just love to 
have but cannot afford to get for herself.” 

I know what that something would be,” 
Adele said brightly. ^^Last year Trudie 
told me that though she cared nothing for 
rings and gaudy jewelry, she would so like 
to have a string of pearls. Her Uncle Pier- 
son was visiting there at the time. He was 
in the room, absorbed in his reading, we sup- 
posed, but he must have overheard, for when 
he went away, he left an envelope addressed 
to Gertrude in which there was a message 
and a twenty-dollar bill crisp and new. In 
the little letter he told her that the mon^ 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 219 


was to be spent as she most desired. Of 
course he supposed that Trudie Would buy 
a string of pearls. 

She was so happy and she asked me if I 
would go to Dorchester with her on a shop- 
ping expedition, and so, the very next day, 
we set out. 

When we reached a jeweler^s shop, I ex- 
pected Gertrude to turn in, but instead she 
went just beyond to a dry-goods store. I 
was indeed puzzled until Trudie, looking at 
me with happy eyes, exclaimed, ‘ Daddy and 
Mother have been invited to a convention in 
Boston where so many pleasant things are 
to happen, but Mummie said she couldn’t go, 
and I know why she can't. It’s because she 
hasn’t had a new best dress in ten years. 
There are so many babies growing up, and 
each time Mother has a little money saved, 
it has to be spent for them, but now, she is 
going to have a new dress and go to that con- 
vention.^ ” 

Isn’t that just like our Gertrude?” 
Doris Drexel said. What did she buy? ” 


220 


ADELE DOKING 


Slie bought black broadcloth for a suit/^ 
Della told them, ^^and then, as there hap- 
pened to be a sale, she also bought enough 
soft lilac silk for a dress to wear in the 
evening. I saw it after they had it made, 
and it was the sweetest thing with some old 
real lace in the neck and sleeves.’^ 

^^Adele,” Evelyn Dartmoor said, am 
glad that you told us about it. If you will 
appoint me treasurer of the fund, I will 
promise you that on her sixteenth birth- 
day, Gertrude will receive the prettiest 
string of pearls that can be found in Buf- 
falo.” 

“ Good ! ” Della declared. We will each 
give our contribution to Evelyn.” Then she 
added, I can’t understand where Bettykins 
is. I told her that we were to meet here at 
this hour. I believe that I will go and hunt 
her up.” 

Adele did not have far to go, for she found 
the little one slowly ascending the wide 
front stairs and her eyes were red, as though 
she had been crying. 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 221 


What is it, Betty dear? ” Adele inquired 
as she drew the little girl into an alcove. 
“ Have you had news from home? ” 

No, it isn^t that, but I haven’t a party 
dress, and so I won’t be able to go to the 
dance.” The tears started afresh, but 
Adele, with a merry little laugh, exclaimed 
cheerily, “ Oh, is that all? Why, Betsy, that 
pink muslin dress of yours would make the 
sweetest party gown if you would let me 
change it a bit.” 

The little girl looked up eagerly. Della, 
would you do it for me?” she asked. ‘‘I 
don’t know how to do anything like that my- 
self. I’ve never worn the pink dress be- 
cause I just hated that high collar and the 
long tight sleeves.” 

You’ll be surprised when you see what a 
fine dressmaker I am,” Adele replied gaily. 

Don’t say a word about it, and I’ll fix it to- 
night when we are alone. I’ll cut a square 
neck and short sleeves and put little lace 
ruffles around them, and oh, Bettykins, I’ve 
the dearest pink sash with long fringe that 


222 


ADELE DOKING 


has never been out of its box, and you shall 
wear that.” 

This was almost too much for the little 
girl and the tears appeared again, but this 
time they were happy ones. 

^^Della!” Betty cried impulsively. “That’s 
why everybody loves you, because you’re al- 
ways doing things to make other people 
happy.” 

Just then the gong sounded through the 
corridors calling the girls to the Gym. 


CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX 

BOMANCING 

The week that followed was devoted to 
studying, for the terrible exams must be 
passed before the party could be enjoyed. 

‘‘Bring your books up to my room this 
evening at seven, Adele sang out as the 
girls from Sunnyside were trooping in after 
a merry game on the tennis courts. “ I’ll 
play teacher and give you a review.” 

“We’ll be there!” Carol replied, then 
turning to the tall, quiet girl at her side, she 
added, “ Evelyn, suppose we practise for the 
next half-hour since we are to perform at 
the closing exercises.” 

Gertrude and Adele, arm linked in arm, 
entered the school and ascended the stairs to 
their room. 

“Trudie,” Adele exclaimed as she sank 

down on a low stool to remove her tennis- 
223 


224 


ADELE DOEING 


shoes, what nice new friends we have made 
this year, Carol, Evelyn Dartmoor, and the 
lassie from the Dakota prairie. What a 
wonderful girl she is, that Starr ! I am so 
glad that she came to our school. She makes 
me think of Eva Dearman a little. !Not that 
they look alike. Maybe just because they 
both live in that glorious West. It seems as 
if I haven^t heard from Eva in ages.’^ Then 
folding her hands over her knees, she added 
thoughtfully, “Trudie, please don’t think 
me sentimental or anything like that, but, 
when I grow up, if I should happen to get 
married, I do wish that it might be to an 
Arizona cattleman.” 

Gertrude laughed merrily as she began to 
brush her dark, wavy hair, then she ex- 
claimed, ‘^Donald Burnley is planning to 
live on his ranch, isn’t he? Of course I 
mean when he finishes college and is ready 
to settle down.” 

I believe that he is,” Adele said, spring- 
ing up, then she added with a smile, 
Trudie, are you trying to tease me about 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 225 


Donald the way Peggy delights in teasing 
Kose abont Bob? ” 

I feel sorry for Kosamond ! ’’ Gertrude 
replied. Her mother is such a social 
butterfly and she seems to have no time for 
her pretty daughter, in fact she almost never 
writes to her. I sincerely hope that Kose 
and Bob will care for each other when they 
are grown. 

I wonder who Trudie^s prince is going 
to be?” Adele said mischievously as she 
slipped on the simple muslin that she wore 
in the evening. I’m going to guess that 
his initials will be A. B.” 

Della, what a romancer you are to-day,” 
Gertrude exclaimed. 

Adele laughed gaily. Hark ! ” she said. 

I hear footsteps approaching down Apple- 
Blossom Alley.” A second later there was 
a merry rapping on the door, and when it 
was opened, half a dozen maidens appeared 
and each one was waving a letter. 

a We’re the postman-brigade ! ” Peggy 
Pierce called. ^^Miss Sharpleigh has Just 


226 


ADELE DOKING 


finished looking over the mail, and think of 
it, Della, there are six letters for you, and 
not one for any of the rest of us.” 

Adele’s eyes were shining, for her quick 
glance had noted one of the postmarks. 

Come in ! ” she called. I am sure that 
there is interesting news in these letters that 
you will want to hear.” 

“ Whom are they all from? ” Betty Burd 
asked as the six girls sat tailor-wise on the 
fioor. 

Adele’s eyes were glowing. She had 
peeped into the letter that was on top, and 
then springing up, she pirouetted around 
the room waving it in the air. 

Oh, something so very, very wonderful 
is going to happen ! ” she cried as she Seized 
Gertrude and gave her a bear hug. ^‘Trudie, 
here’s a letter from the person we were just 
talking about, and it contains the best news. 
Who do you think is coming from Arizona 
to attend our 0. E. P. and then is to stay 
with me in Sunnyside all this sum- 
mer? ” 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 227 

“ Oh, Della, is it Eva Dearman? Peggy 
eagerly inquired. 

Adele nodded happily. Mother wrote 
to Mr. Dearman and asked if Eva might 
visit me during the vacation and I wrote 
begging her to try to get here in time for the 
party. She is coming next week with some 
friends of her Uncle Dick’s who are travel- 
ing to Buffalo.” 

‘‘Who is Eva Dearman?” Starr asked. 
“ I know she must be nice, for you all seem 
to love her.” 

“Oh, indeed we do!” Doris Drexel re- 
plied. “ She is a dear, beautiful, unselfish, 
sunshiny girl. She lives on an Arizona 
cattle ranch with her uncle Dick Dearman 
and an orphan friend, Amanda Brown, who 
married a cowboy named ‘ Busty Pete.’ ” 

“ I wonder how Amanda is ! ” Betty Burd 
had just said, when Adele, who was reading 
the letter to herself, gave another wild 
whoop. “ Oh ! Oh ! ” she cried, “ how I do 
wish that I was there to see it and hold it 
and hug it.” 


228 


ADELE DOEING 


Della, hold what?’’ Peggy Pierce in- 
quired. You are so provokingly mysteri- 
ous.” 

“ Girls,” Adele said, the most beautiful 
something has happened. Amanda Brown 
has a baby! A darling, little brown-eyed 
daughter, and Eva writes that poor Mandy, 
who so yearned for own folks two years 
ago, now has a heart brimming over with 
joy. Pete built an adobe house for her down 
near Silver Creek, only a stone’s throw from 
the big ranch house, and since they have 
plenty of water, the porch is just covered 
with blossoming vines. 

Oh, how I would love to see that happy 
little mother sitting there crooning to her 
baby and watching for her cowboy husband 
as he rides home in the evening.” 

Girls,” Rosamond exclaimed joyfully, 
this summer when we are all at home, let’s 
each make something for Mandy’s baby. 
Now, Della, whom is your next letter from?” 

Adele glanced over the other letters that 
the postman-brigade had brought to her. 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 229 


Then she gaily announced, ‘‘Here is one 
from Donald Burnley telling me that he will 
be glad to come to our party. Two of the 
others are from Daddy and Mmnmie with 
just love and home news in them. Oho! 
Here is one from Jack. It’s such an un- 
usual thing for my devoted brother to write 
me a letter all by himself that I am inclined 
to believe that something interesting must 
have happened. Perhaps he has passed his 
college preparatory exams, but that would 
be almost too much to expect from my in- 
dolent brother.” 

“Adele, it isn’t a bit nice of you to talk 
that way about Jack,” Doris Drexel pro- 
tested. “ It doesn’t matter, of course, as far 
as we Sunnyside girls are concerned, since 
we grew up with him, but Starr and Carol 
and the others who don’t know him might 
think that you meant it.” 

Adele laughingly hugged the girl next to 
her, and then turning to Starr she ex- 
claimed, “Yonder on my dresser is Jack’s 
photograph and if you care to glance in that 


230 


ADELE DORING 


direction, you will behold a youth both 
handsome and indolent, who, nevertheless, is 
the nicest brother in all the world. There, 
Doris, is that better? ” 

“ Not much,” the other laughingly replied, 
^‘but since Jack is coming to the party, 
Carol and Starr will soon learn for them- 
selves just how nice he is. Now, do read his 
letter to us.” 

Adele, who had glanced ahead, exclaimed 
gleefully, Just as I thought. Jack did have 
something very unusual to write about or 
he would merely have added a postscript to 
Mummie’s letter. It concerns every one of 
us, so harken and you shall hear : 

‘ Dear Sis and all : 

mmst remarkable thing has hap- 
pened. I haven’t been real sure whether I 
am afoot or horseback since I heard about 
it! Mother and Dad both say we can go, 
and the we means all the girls in the Sunny- 
side Club and all the Jolly Pirates. Now, 
if you are properly curious, ITl tell you 
where we are going. Uncle Jack and Aunt 
Dahlia are sailing for Europe this week and 
they have loaned us that wonderful island 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 


231 


of theirs in the St. Lawrence Kiver for the 
summer. We will have a great old camping- 
party all through the month of August, that 
is, if you can find some older person to stay 
in the cabin with you girls. See you soon, 
and then you’ll hear all about it. 

^ Your Buddie.’ ” 

Oh, Della, what fun that will be,” Doris 
Drexel exclaimed. I simply adore camp- 
ing.” 

The other girls were equally overjoyed at 
the prospect, but a gong was calling them 
to various tasks and so they had to leave the 
choosing of a chaperone until another day. 


CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEK 

OLD FRIENDS ARRIVE 

PvE thouglit of the best person in all the 
world to have for chaperone for our camp- 
ing-party, if she will accept,’^ Adele ex- 
claimed the next day as she skipped into the 
recreation hall where the girls were as- 
sembled, a shower having kept them indoors. 

Who is it? ” Carol asked. 

^^It is Madge Petersen, a lovely young 
lady in Dorchester whom we once met at 
Little Bear Lake,” Adele replied. 

Oh, how I do hope that Miss Petersen 
will go with us,” Betty Burd exclaimed. 

heard Uncle George tell Mother once 
that Madge is his ideal of a gentlewoman.” 

Adele was chuckling at some pleasant 
memory. What is it, Della? ” Rose asked. 

Tell us so that we may all laugh.” 

^‘WTiy, I was just thinking that Everett 
232 


AT BOARDmG-SCHOOL 


233 


Petersen ought to be appointed Sailor-in- 
chief. The very first time that I ever saw 
him, he had just tipped over in a sailboat on 
Little Bear Lake, and he came up looking 
like a drowned white rat.” 

Suppose we invite Miss Petersen and 
her brother to our party ! ” Doris suggested, 
^‘and then we can tell her all about our 
summer plans, and ask her to accompany 
us.” 

This was done and two days later came 
the answer. 

“They’re coming ! ” Adele happily shouted 
as she skipped out to the tennis-court wav- 
ing a letter. “Miss Petersen and Everett 
will arrive on the same train with Eva. So 
many pleasant things are happening, I can 
hardly keep my mind on my lessons.” 

“And those dreadful exams are to begin 
to-morrow,” Rose moaned. 

During the week of examinations, the girls 
tried to forget the party and all the joyful 
things that were about to happen. Luckily 
they had studied faithfully each day in the 


234 


ADELE BOEING 


year and so the testing time was success- 
fully passed and at last there dawned the 
wonderful day on which their three dear 
friends were to arrive. 

Arthur EUsworth, who had met the Peter- 
sens in Dorchester, was to take Everett home 
with him while Madge and Eva were to re- 
main over night at the school. 

At last dawned the wonderful day when 
the girls had nothing to do but prepare for 
the closing-exercises party. 

Gertrude, Adele, and Betty were a com- 
mittee of three to go in the bus to the early 
morning train and meet their guests, Eva 
Dearman, Madge Petersen, and her brother 
Everett. 

The day seemed to know that it was to be 
one of joyous festivities. Never had there 
been a bluer sky! The summer-house was 
covered with pink cluster roses, the garden 
was fragrant with bloom, and birds, every- 
where, sang their most jubilant songs. In 
the distance, white sails gleamed on the 
shining waters of the lake. 


AT BOARDING-SCHOOL 


235 


The local train, which was usually an 
hour late between Buffalo and Linden, 
puffed noisily into the station, seemingly 
proud of the astonishing fact that it was on 
time to the minute, and when it stopped, the 
three girls gave a glad cry and leaped upon 
Eva Dearman, somewhat rumpling her 
tailory appearance, but little did the girl 
from the desert care ; she was so glad to be 
with her beloved Adele once more. 

Madge Petersen was greeted with equal 
warmth, though with more dignity, and 
Everett smilingly waited his turn, cap in 
hand. 

How our sailor boy has grown ! Adele 
exclaimed as they started toward the bus. 

do believe that he is taller now than 
Jack, and last year my brother was quite 
boastful of the fact that he was an inch 
nearer the sky than any of his comrades.” 

Weeds grow rapidly,” Everett told her 
as he assisted the girls into the bus and then 
leaped up as it started, riding for a moment 
on the steps. 


236 


ADELE DORING' 


Yonder looks like a nice place to 
sail,” lie exclaimed. Tm just wild to go 
somewhere this summer and sail from sun-up 
until dark.” 

‘^Oh, Everett, Til be a good fairy and 
grant your wish ! ” Adele cried happily. I 
have a wonderful plan to unfold.” Then as 
they were slowly climbing the hill, Della 
told about her uncle’s island on the St. Law- 
rence and ended by saying that the girls all 
wanted Madge Petersen to go with them and 
be their Lady of the Cabin. 

“ What bully fun that will be ! ” Everett 
declared, when Madge had smilingly told 
them that she would think it over. 

^^Adele, I invite you to go sailing with me 
the very first morning after our arrival,” 
the lad added mischievously. 

You want to give me an early ducking, 
I see ! ” that maiden replied. 

Here we are ! ” Gertrude said as the bus 
arrived at the school and a fiock of laugh- 
ing girls trooped down the broad front steps 
to greet the newcomers. 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 237 


Madame Deriby was pleased to meet these 
friends of the girls from Sunnyside and she 
told Adele that they might occupy the pretty 
room in the cupola for the night, and so 
thither they all flocked. When satchels, 
hats, and cloaks had been deposited therein, 
and Madge had paused a moment at the 
high window to admire the beautiful view, 
Adele and the other girls led their guests out 
into the garden, and there a joyous morning 
was passed gathering flowers and greenery 
which later they put into bowls and vases to 
be placed in every nook and corner. 

When they all trooped down to the dining- 
room, the other pupils looked almost en- 
viously at the laughing, merry group. They 
were unfolding their napkins when Adele 
suddenly exclaimed, Girls! I never until 
this moment thought! WTiat ever became 
of Everett? ” 

Betty Burd chuckled. You all left him 
standing in the hall when you went up to the 
cupola room,” she said, and honestly, girls, 
I thought he looked scared, being the only 


238 


ADELE DOEING 


boy in tbe place, and so I went back to keep 
him company, but just then Arthur Ells- 
worth came bounding up the front steps. 
He explained that he had been delayed so 
he couldn’t get to the station, and then away 
the two boys went, so you see, he is being 
well cared for.” 

Jack and Bob are coming in on the next 
train,” Doris Drexel said. 

“Donald Burnley, Dick Jensen, and all 
the Jolly Pirates will also be arriving then,” 
Adele remarked. “Arthur Ellsworth is to go 
over to the station in his tally-ho to meet 
them.” 

“ What fun they will have,” Betty Burd 
exclaimed, “blowing horns, like as not, all 
along the way.” 

“ They couldn’t have more fun than we’re 
having,” Adele said, when, dinner over, they 
were again in Apple-Blossom Alley planning 
to just rest during the afternoon. 


CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT 


THE CLOSING PARTY 

At seven o^clock that evening Apple- 
Blossom Alley was the scene of much merri- 
ment, for the dwellers therein, dressed in 
their prettiest with flushed cheeks and eyes 
glowing like stars, darted from one room to 
another. 

Oh, Rosie, come here a moment ! ” Adele 
called when that maiden appeared in the 
open door to announce that she was dressed 
and ready. 

Rosamond accepted the invitation and 
Adele looked her over with a critical though 
admiring expression. There is just one 
more touch needed; this lovely pink rose 
ought to be caught among your locks. Look, 
girls ! ” she added, turning to the others as 
she held a perfect flower among the short 
golden curls. Isn’t it just adorable 
there? 


239 


240 


ADELE DOEma 


It is indeed ! ” came a merry and ap- 
preciative cEorus. Kose was the most beauti- 
ful of the girls, but there was not a jealous 
heart among them. 

I’m sorry for Bobby-boy ! ” Peggy Pierce 
teased as she spread, her pretty ruffled blue 
skirt, and perched on the arm of Carol’s 
chair. If he isn’t in love now, he will be 
before midnight.” 

But Rose refused to be teased, and then 
there was a commotion out in the corridor. 

‘^Oh, isn’t she dazzling?” Betty Burd 
cried. 

^‘Who, Who?” the others called gaily, 
and Starr was laughingly led into their 
midst. She had on a dress of soft creamy 
material through which ran a silvery thread 
and under the lights it glittered prettily, but 
it was the circlet about her dark hair that 
had attracted the girls, for poised in front 
was a silver star. It was Geraldine’s pres- 
ent to her new cousin. 

Oh ! ” Adele exclaimed admiringly as 
she stood off and gazed at this girl whom she 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 241 


had come to love so dearly. You fairly 
scintillate! I wish your prairie brothers 
might see you now/’ 

Starr laughed. My doggie would never 
know me, I am sure of that ! ” she replied. 

Just think, this is the very first party that 
I have ever attended.” 

Madge Petersen, sitting quietly on _the 
window-seat, looked at one and another of 
the fiushed faces as she thought that never 
before had she seen so many lovely and lov- 
able girls. 

Just then Marie, the maid, appeared in 
the doorway and announced, ‘^The young 
gentlemen have arrived and are waiting in 
the library.” 

An hour later the long recreation-hall in 
Linden Seminary was the scene of a most 
festive occasion. All that morning the girls 
had been in the meadows and little wood 
gathering daisies, buttercups and ferns, and 
these seemed to be blossoming everywhere. 
In a palm-sheltered nook at one end of the 
hall, a group of Hawaiian musicians played 


242 


ADELE DOEING 


waltzes and one-steps that were sometimes 
dreamy and sometimes merry, for these 
dances were all that were permitted, and the 
happy lads and lassies glided about, smiling 
brightly when they passed the end of the 
hall farthest from the musicians, for there 
sat Madame Deriby looking wonderfully 
lovely in a silvery gray silk. At her side 
was Madge Petersen. 

“ These are all charming girls, Madame 
Deriby,” Madge said. I have been watch- 
ing them for some time and not one have 1 
seen whose manner toward her partner is 
other than frank friendliness.” 

I am glad ! ” the pleased matron replied, 
have always tried to teach these dear 
pupils of mine that lads never really admire 
a girl who is simpering and sentimental. At 
first I feared that Gladys Merle Jones might 
be that type, but Adele Doring and her 
friends have done much to make Gladys like 
themselves.” 

At nine o’clock Adele, who was at that 
time dancing with her brother Jack, paused 


AT BOAEDING-SCHOOL 243 


and said softly, “ Madame Deriby, is it time 
for the surprise? ” 

Yes, dear,” the matron replied. Sup- 
pose you tell Arthur Ellsworth the part that 
he is to take, and bid the musicians play 
very softly.” 

When the first strains of the next dance 
were heard, Arthur went at once and bowed 
before Gertrude and together they sauntered 
out on the floor. 

Trudie wondered why they seemed to be 
the only couple dancing, and she was still 
more puzzled when Arthur waltzed to the 
middle of the room and then paused. Be- 
fore she had time to question this strange 
procedure, from every part of the room came 
laughing girls. Eunning toward her and 
catching hold of hands, they formed a circle 
about her as gaily they sang : 

‘‘Happy birthday to our Gertrude; 

May many others dawn as bright, 

And may you ever be as jo 3 mus, 

Deer friend, as you are to-night.^’ 

Then little Betty stepped forwa-rd hoiding 


244 


ADELE DOEING 


a long velvet box and curtsying to tbe sur- 
prised maiden she recited : 

“We all of us love you, Gertrude, 

Sweetest and dearest of girls. 

And, that you may never forget us. 

Accept this string of friendship pearls. ’’ 

Sudden tears * rushed to the eyes of the 
beautiful lassie, who was indeed dearly 
loved, but they were tears of gratitude and 
joy. 

But — I thought no one knew it was my 
birthday,’^ Trudie said when the pearls had 
been clasped about her neck, then she added 
happily, “ I love you all, too, and I thank 
you ! ” 

Gertrude thought her cup of happiness 
was brimming full, but another sweet joy 
was coming to her that night. 



Thex littije Betoy stepped foravarb holding a long velvet box 

— Page 2^3. 





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CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE 

A BUD OF A ROMAI^CH 

Another hour of dancing passed and then 
Madame Deriby arose and nodded smilingly 
at Adele. This being a signal upon which 
they had agreed, all of the girls with their 
partners fell into line and marched joyously 
about the hall, then filed out of the wide 
doors and into the orchard. There a festive 
scene lay before them. 

From the branches of the gnarled old 
trees many gaily colored Chinese lanterns 
hung, and underneath, small tables were 
scattered about with graceful Hawaiian 
waiters in attendance. 

feel as though I had been suddenly 
transported to some magical far-away gar- 
den,” Adele said to Donald Burnley as they 
sat together at one of the small tables where 

were also Jack and Doris. 

246 


246 


ADELE DOKING 


There were four seated at each table ex- 
cept at one, and there Gertrude Willis and 
Arthur Ellsworth sat alone. It was on the 
edge of the orchard, and Trudie, glancing up 
at the fleecy, slowly drifting clouds, saw 
emerging a slender crescent moon. From 
afar there wafted to them the sweet yet 
plaintive strains of Drowsy Waters.” 

“It is a wonderfully lovely night, isn^t 
it? ” the girl said smiling frankly at the lad 
whose companionship she so enjoyed. 

“ Yes,” he replied, and then, as though fol- 
lowing aloud a former train of thought, he 
asked, “ Gertrude, shall you go this summer 
with the camping-party? ” 

“Oh, no, Arthur, I am needed at home, 
and, moreover, I shall try to And some 
mother who would like me to teach her little 
ones during vacation. A minister's salary 
is not princely, you know,” she told him 
brightly. 

For a moment the lad was thoughtful. 
“ Gertrude,” he said at last, “ we are young, 
I know, to speak of love, but if you think 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


247 


that in time you could care for me, I would 
be very glad,” then he hurriedly added, I 
have spoken about it to my Aunt Louise and 
she said that she did wish that you would 
let her help you now, just as if you were 
really her niece, as I do hope that you will 
be some day.” 

For a moment there was a happy light in 
Gertrude’s eyes, but when she replied, it 
was in the old frank way. 

‘^Arthur,” she said, ‘‘I like you better 
than any one else whom I know, and if you 
do care when we are older, I will gladly 
become your aunt’s niece, but until then, 
I would rather not accept help.” 

And with that Arthur had to be content. 


CHAPTER THIRTY 


FAREWELL^ LINDEN HALL 

The next day all was hustle and bustle 
at Linden Hall. Trunks were being packed 
and strapped, and Patrick, with Billie’s 
help, was carting them down the back 
stairs and loading them on a truck. 

‘‘ Girls ! ” Adele Doring exclaimed, as at 
last she stood with hat and coat on, I feel 
like crying one moment, and then the very 
next, I want to sldp and shout for joy. Of 
course I am sorry to leave Madame Deriby 
and all of our dear friends, but oh, I am so 
eager to see my adorable mother and my 
giant daddy that it seems as though I can’t 
wait for the train to take me there. I al- 
most wish Captain !Nelson would appear and 
take us in his airplane.” 

If you would like to see some one who 
248 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 249 


is radiantly happy, look at Starr!” Doris 
Drexel called, then she added, I don’t think 
it’s a bit nice of her to be so glad to leave 
us.” 

Every one turned to look at the graceful, 
well'gowned girl who had suddenly ap- 
peared in the doorway, her eyes fairly 
glowing. 

I don’t want to leave you ! ” Starr cried, 
want to take every one of you to my 
wonderful prairie home, and some day, you 
must come, all of you, and meet my splendid 
brothers, and see the cornfields and the sun- 
sets. Promise me that you will.” 

“ Indeed I will, if Mummie and fate will 
permit,” Adele Doring declared. Then a 
gong in the corridor called them, and, bid- 
ding farewell to Apple-Blossom Alley, where 
they had had so many pleasant times, they 
trooped down to the lower hall where Ma- 
dame Deriby and the other teachers stood. 
There were tears in the eyes of the matron, 
and yet she was smiling, as she said good- 
bye. 


250 


ADELE BOEING 


I shall be lonely without my girls/’ she 
told them, but most of you are to return 
in the fall.” 

Then Adele, who had been appointed 
spokesman, stepped forward. Madame 
Beriby and all of our kind teachers,” she 
said earnestly, “ we wish to thank you for 
having made this winter one of the happi- 
est and most profitable of our short lives. 
The girls have asked me to say that we 
love you and are grateful,” she added sim- 

ply- 

Then Arthur Ellsworth appeared with the 
tally-ho. He had taken the boys to the 
station and returned for the girls. Patrick 
followed with another merry crowd in the 
school bus. 

As they rolled down the deserted wooded 
hill-road, they sang a song which Adele had 
composed, ‘^Farewell, Bear Linden Hall,” 
and so sweet were their mingled voices that 
even tl® ttrds t^aused their caroling to 
listen. ® 

Then, as they drew up to the station, 


AT BOAKDING-SCHOOL 


351 


Adele called, Sunnysiders, here endeth an- 
other chapter, and the next will be ” 

^^Adele Bering out camping!” Betty 
Burd finished for her. 



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